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
California Expands UPF Crackdown With Proposed ‘Certified’ Food Label
A new proposed regulation would establish a “California Certified” alerting consumers to products defined as ultraprocessed foods.
CPG Week Podcast: A Chicken Feed Cockfight And Gummies Galore
This week on the podcast, Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous and senior reporter Lukas Southard tackle the recent controversy surrounding cage-free egg producer Vital Farms, the latest updates affecting the hemp beverage industry, and a beverage maker’s strategic expansion into functional gummy supplements. The hosts also highlight several recent funding announcements.
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.
Additional Content
Industry Leaders: Consumers ‘Biggest Losers’ in Animal Welfare Rule Withdrawal
Friday’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would decouple animal welfare standards from federal regulations around organic certification has caused outcry and debate among natural and organic food industry leaders. Now, the Organic Trade Association and its allies believe the rule’s withdrawal will impact food sourcing, pricing and certification, both for packaged and fresh food alike.
FDA Issues Guidance for GRAS Panels
Last week, the FDA issued a guidance to food manufacturers on the best practices for using third-party certification. The goal is to avoid claims of bias or accusations of a conflict of interest against the hired experts.
An Industry in Limbo: GMA Responds to FDA’s Closer Look at Fiber
Under the new Nutrition Facts regulations, the types of ingredients that would count towards dietary fiber levels was severely reduced. Earlier this year the FDA announced it would review 26 additional isolated and synthetic ingredients to be recognized as acceptable, however, after almost a year with no guidance or updates on the review, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is asking for answers.
Why CPG Leaders Want to Standardize ‘Use By’ Labels
The Consumer Goods Forum announced last month that it’s looking to trash current expiration date labels to help reduce food waste not only within the U.S. but around the world.
FDA Extends Nutrition Label Compliance Deadline to 2020
Under the Obama administration, brands had until July 26, 2018, to adjust all packaging. With the new extension, manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales will now have until Jan. 1, 2020; manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales have until Jan. 1, 2021.
Takeaways From Pretzel Crisp’s 7-Year Trademark Battle
The legal saga between Snyder’s-Lance, the maker of Pretzel Crisps, and PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay, maker of Rold Gold’s Pretzel Thins, seems to be only beginning.– and the ongoing court proceedings are already serving as a cautionary tale to emerging food and beverage brands.
Industry Responds to New Peanut Allergy Advice
While children fear monsters under their beds, parents of children with allergies fear a different kind of demon: peanuts. But, according to two recent studies, peanut allergies may be avoidable with the controlled, early introduction of peanuts to babies. The FDA has taken note and its change in stance is sending waves throughout the food industry.
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.