Policy
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Will strict requirements for SNAP recipients become law?
The House of Representatives' version of the farm bill, which passed 213-211, adds work and training restrictions to the program responsible for $63 billion spent annually at 263,105 food retailers.
By Megan Poinski • June 22, 2018
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FDA approves 8 ingredients to boost fiber counts
The agency said it may approve additional options to help people consume more of the substance. The average person only gets about half of the 28 grams recommended.
By Cathy Siegner • June 21, 2018
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FDA steps back from 'added sugars' on maple syrup and honey labels
After receiving thousands of negative comments, the agency is backtracking on its proposal and hopes to come to a "sensible solution."
By Cathy Siegner • June 21, 2018
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Supermarkets post dismal human rights scores in Oxfam study
Walmart had the highest score at 17%. The poverty-centered charity says retailers need to improve transparency around food sourcing and demonstrate respect for labor and human rights.
By Krishna Thakker • June 21, 2018
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US agriculture to feel the heat as China fires back at Trump tariffs
Soybean, wheat and corn are among the 545 products worth $34 billion that would take a serious hit if the communist country's retaliatory taxes go into effect July 6.
By Cathy Siegner • June 18, 2018
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OpinionOne order of eggs, hold the hens: How acellular agriculture will reshape food
Startups are using science to bring us food and drink that were once only produced by animals, and author Paul Shapiro explains how it will change the industry.
By Paul Shapiro
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Commenters are sour on FDA's plan to list added sugars on honey, maple syrup and cranberry products
Many find the draft proposal unnecessary and confusing and say consumers will think pure items have extra sweeteners mixed in.
By Cathy Siegner • June 14, 2018
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Bob's Red Mill sues trade group in gluten-free certification dispute
The company's complaint asks a federal judge to find the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America's certification symbol unenforceable.
By Cathy Siegner • June 14, 2018
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OpinionCPG in trouble: Can solutions be found in corporate venturing and startups?
To take maximum advantage of corporate venturing, CPG companies need to adopt some startup know-how, according to Bahige El-Rayes and Roberta Roeller of A.T. Kearney.
By Bahige El-Rayes and Roberta Roeller
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Studies assess the sustainability of different food production methods
Industrial output of beef and farmed catfish were found to have the largest impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Farmed oysters, mussels and scallops had the lowest.
By Cathy Siegner • June 12, 2018
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Proposed bill seeks to prevent inaccurate product labeling
Backers of the Accurate Labels Act say that too many labeling requirements aren't based on science and are unnecessarily scaring and confusing consumers.
By Cathy Siegner • June 08, 2018
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USDA and FDA align produce safety inspections to meet FSMA requirements
Agriculture audits are another tool farmers can use to show buyers they're implementing food safety standards under the produce rule.
By Cathy Siegner • June 06, 2018
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GMA bets on Geoff Freeman as its new CEO
The former head of the American Gaming Association will take over for Pamela Bailey at the food and beverage trade group starting Aug. 1.
By Christopher Doering • June 05, 2018
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Is consumer confidence in leafy greens wilting?
Following a massive E. coli outbreak, romaine sales are down nearly 45% from a year ago, and overall lettuce 27%.
By Jessi Devenyns
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Food industry braces for impact from Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs
Production costs for canned foods and beverages are likely to rise as import taxes of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum are imposed on Canada, Mexico and the European Union.
By Cathy Siegner • June 01, 2018
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FDA's definition of chocolate excludes new ruby variety
Barry Callebaut, which said several U.S. food companies are interested in the new ingredient, is asking the agency for a temporary marketing permit so it can properly label the new product.
By Cathy Siegner • June 01, 2018
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Report suggests produce theft at self checkouts could be widespread
The Independent, a UK newspaper, says people often use the scanner code for cheap carrots instead of paying for the avocados they take out the door.
By Patti Zarling • May 31, 2018
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OTA tests out its own fraud prevention strategy
Eleven members of the group are trying supply chain recommendations to make sure items carrying the "USDA Organic" seal deserve it.
By Cathy Siegner • May 30, 2018
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Consumer groups ask FDA to designate leafy greens as 'high risk'
On the heels of a large outbreak, requiring stronger recordkeeping and traceability for fresh produce could more quickly solve future problems.
By Cathy Siegner • May 30, 2018
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Publix faces boycott for donating to NRA-backed candidate
The grocer contributed to Adam Putnam's gubernatorial campaign due to his "pro-business values," but the company said it will re-evaluate how it makes donations to politicians and political parties.
By Patti Zarling • May 25, 2018
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British food companies fail to meet voluntary sugar reduction goals
Public Health England said it should have a clearer idea by next year about whether further action will be needed to compel companies to cut the sweetener.
By Caroline Macdonald • May 24, 2018
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FDA denies GMA's petition asking for limited use of PHOs
The agency decided the trade group hadn't shown the continued use of partially hydrogenated oils in food is safe, but it also gave manufacturers a longer time to phase them out.
By Cathy Siegner • May 21, 2018
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Survey: 40% of Americans are willing to try lab-grown meat
As the process and cost for creating the futuristic protein is refined by companies such as Memphis Meats and JUST, the real question is whether people will buy it.
By Patti Zarling • May 16, 2018
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USDA nixes organic checkoff program
The department said there wasn't enough support to move forward on a plan that would have larger producers pay about $30 million annually to fund a national research and marketing strategy.
By Cathy Siegner • May 15, 2018
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OpinionBig Food's information gap
Startups make better use of consumer feedback than large food companies, and the bigger firms should take a page from their playbook, writes Ben Lewis of Little Spoon.
By Ben Lewis