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
Even The New Dietary Guidelines Want More Protein, Less Processing
“Eat real food.” That is the central message projected by the Trump Administration’s new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
What Are the Implications of Natural Grocers’ GMO Labeling Case?
The USDA will be required to revise parts of its National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard after judges in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated several “loopholes” that plaintiffs argued would have misled consumers.
A Year In Food Industry Upheaval: Trump, Tariffs and Titanium Dioxide
This year will go down in the history books as one marked by an unprecedented federal focus on the food industry, sparking strategic overhauls of, and a bit of panic within, Big Food operations; a flurry of state-level action against a plethora of synthetic ingredients; and the adoption of some new acronyms – UPFs and MAHA, just to name a few.
Additional Content
In the Courtroom: Kraft-Heinz Suit Sets Patent Precedent, Mott’s Sued for ‘Natural’ Claims
From patent restrictions and investor complaints to false labeling claims, these are the cases creating — or aiming to clean up — messy food dealings.
Food Dye Bill Approved For Research, Not Labeling
A California bill addressing the potential dangers of synthetic food dyes on children has passed, but with a major amendment.
Halo Top, Mars Inc. Fight Trademark Suits
Food fights are breaking out in court. HaloTop, Mars Inc, KerryGold and Chobani all found themselves in legal battles spanning trademark infringements to reports of assault over the past month. Here’s what we know so far about the cases, why they were filed, and what they could mean for the companies involved.
Hershey Co. Sweet on ‘Smart Snacking’ and Transparency
Emphasizing environmental and nutritional transparency for the labels and ingredients in both its chocolate and snacking lineups, the confectionary giant announced a sweeping set of changes from sourcing to packaging that the company hopes will give consumers more choices.
The Skinny on the Snyder’s-Lance Trademark Battle
Amplify Snack Brands, the company behind SkinnyPop Popcorn, and snack giant Snyder’s-Lance began a legal battle over the word “skinny” last week. Amplify filed a federal trademark infringement and unfair competition lawsuit against Snyder’s over the company’s plans to start selling its newly acquired popcorn brand, Metcalfe’s Skinny, in the U.S.
New Food Dye Bill Could Have Suppliers Seeing Red
Earlier this month, State Senator Bob Wieckowski, a Democrat, introduced California SB 504, a bill that would require warning labels on all food containing synthetic dyes, including those sold in restaurants. It’s an issue that may cause food manufacturers to reconsider their use of synthetic colors not just in California, but nationwide.
FDA Opens Conversation To Define ‘Healthy’ Claims on Labels
During a public meeting on March 9, the agency was urged to consider both nutrient content and food type when defining the term ‘healthy” on labels. The FDA will consider all comments and written submissions during this public comment period to decide how best to update its guidelines.
OTA Looks To Equivalency Arrangements To Aid U.S. Organic Growth
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is looking to equivalency trade arrangements as a way to increase more organic options on shelves. During a Natural Products Expo West event last week in Anaheim, Calif. Monique Marez, the OTA’s director of international trade, said it is just a question of standards.
Is the Average American’s Diet Reflecting Consumer Trends?
Consumers may be increasingly demanding cleaner labels and better-for-you food options, but a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report is suggesting that those same shoppers may not be putting their mouth where their money is.
Grocery Industry Launches New Initiative to Reduce Consumer Confusion on Product Date Labels
The new voluntary initiative streamlines the myriad date labels on consumer products packaging down to just two standard phrases. “BEST If Used By” describes product quality, where the product may not taste or perform as expected but is safe to use or consume. “USE By” applies to the few products that are highly perishable and/or have a food safety concern over time; these products should be consumed by the date listed on the package – and disposed of after that date.