Regulatory
Stay informed on the latest natural food industry regulatory updates involving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or United States Department of Agriculture(USDA), as well as news regarding lawsuits, labeling and class-actions. Understand the evolving natural food regulatory and legal environment which can directly impact your product claims, intellectual property, packaging and ingredients.
Featured Regulatory Content
Texas Gov. Signs Executive Order to Create Legal Hemp Framework
Texas governor Greg Abbott has signed an executive order mandating age restrictions on the sale of hemp-derived THC products, roughly three months after he vetoed a bill that would have outlawed the intoxicant entirely in the Lone Star State.
Smucker, Chubby Snacks Settle Trademark Suit
The J.M. Smucker Company has settled its lawsuit accusing now-defunct frozen sandwich startup Chubby Snacks of false advertising, trademark violations and disparagement in “years of advertising designed to tarnish the name and reputation” of Smucker’s competing Uncrustables brand.
Lawyers Call ‘Fraud’ on BellRing Brands, But One Analyst is Optimistic
BellRing Brands, maker of Premier Protein and Dymatize, is facing down a swarm of lawyers as multiple law firms specializing in shareholders rights have announced investigations into the publicly traded CPG company over allegations it violated securities laws.
Additional Content
FDA Still Unclear on CBD Safety
In a report submitted yesterday to Congress, FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn noted the agency still lacks enough evidence to say CBD ‘can’t hurt.’ While the FDA is “actively considering potential pathways for certain CBD products to be marketed as dietary supplements,” the agency is still seeking more scientific evidence — especially to support CBD’s safety in food.
FDA Extends ‘Food Standards of Identity Modernization’ Comment Period
Fifteen years after submitting a proposed rule to the Federal Register to establish principles for food standards of identity updates, the FDA is extending its comment period, noting advances in manufacturing, food technology, market trends and nutrition science since 2005. Comments will be accepted until April 21, 2020.
FDA Issues Final Guidance for Nutritional Labeling
The FDA’s new Nutrition Facts label regulations went into effect January 1 for companies with over $10 million in annual sales, and the agency issued final guidance to address questions submitted by the industry.
FDA Issues Warnings to 15 CBD Companies — and Alerts Consumers of Possible Side Effects
The FDA yesterday issued 15 warning letters to CBD companies and updated its advice for consumers to follow while regulations are developed. Citing numerous safety concerns and a lack of scientific information, FDA said it cannot recognize CBD as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in human or animal food.
CBD News Roundup: McConnell Pushes for Guidelines, FTC Issues Warnings
Here are a few recent developments in the past week on the U.S. government’s plans to regulate hemp and CBD.
Upton’s & PBFA Sue Mississippi Over ‘Ridiculous’ Labeling Law
Just in time for the Fourth of July, Upton’s Naturals and The Plant Based Food Association (PBFA) are asserting their own independence against the state of Mississippi with a lawsuit to push back against new labeling laws. “It’s just ridiculous,” Upton’s founder Daniel Staackmann said about the new Mississippi law. “Perhaps the city of Hamburg should sue the meat industry in the United States for using [that term]?”
The Checkout: FDA Updates ‘Added Sugars’ Requirement, Thrive Removes CBD and Hemp
FDA updates ‘Added Sugars’ requirement, Thrive removes CBD and hemp and more in this week’s Checkout.
Industry Responds to FDA Hearing on Cannabis Products
The FDA’s first hearing on cannabis products provided few concrete answers on exactly how and when it will regulate the emerging marketplace of CBD products. In the following days, NOSH spoke with a handful of industry experts to assess their reactions.
FDA Holds First Hearing on Cannabis Products
For a natural remedy meant to ease anxiety, the CBD market has become a place of confusion — not calm. On Friday, the FDA held its first hearing on cannabis products, including CBD food and drink products.
Food Safety Update: FDA Announces New Initiatives, EPA Deems Glyphosate Safe
Governmental agencies made several new announcements this week that could impact how brands and suppliers approach food safety.