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
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.
Cheese or Cheez? Proposed Bill Takes Aim at Plant-Based Foods
Keeping dairy in the barnyard rather than out among the crops, the proposed bill, the Dairy Pride Act, declares that dairy foods should be made from the secretions of hoofed animals only.
FDA Issues Guidance For New Nutrition Facts Panels
In May 2016, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled updates to the Nutrition Facts panel that appears on all food and beverage products. Now the agency is clarifying certain details of these changes in its draft guidance issued this week. Industry members have 60 days to submit comments before the final version is drafted.
Will “Best-By” Dates Change Consumer & Retailer Habits?
In an effort to reduce food waste nationwide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a new recommendation to food and beverage companies to use the term “best if used by” in their date coding. But how will this shift change consumer and retailer habits?