Regulatory

The nonprofit trade organization has submitted a proposal to create an updated definition and a set of “harmonized” international guidelines for the use of probiotics in foods and dietary supplements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

From patent restrictions and investor complaints to false labeling claims, these are the cases creating — or aiming to clean up — messy food dealings.

A California bill addressing the potential dangers of synthetic food dyes on children has passed, but with a major amendment.