Policy
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FDA will streamline food safety and regulation under a single leader
The shift was recommended by reports and studies on the department's structure, and Commissioner Robert Califf said it will "fundamentally transform" the division.
By Megan Poinski • Feb. 1, 2023 -
Deep Dive
Will 2023 be the year food plays a role in sustainability policy?
Policymakers are starting to connect the dots between the sector — which represents roughly a third of all emissions — and climate change. But traditional ideas about food are hard to change.
By Megan Poinski • Jan. 31, 2023 -
Deep Dive
Food companies say they can reduce their emissions this year. Experts are skeptical.
Academics and environmental groups say CPGs’ reliance on regenerative agriculture and carbon credits may not be enough to realistically hit their time-based goals.
By Chris Casey • Jan. 30, 2023 -
FDA food safety chief Frank Yiannas resigns
The announcement of his departure comes days before Commissioner Robert Califf is set to issue a response to a report recommending an overhaul of the agency’s food division.
By Megan Poinski • Jan. 26, 2023 -
(2023). "Appendix A - FOP Focus Groups Schemes" [Illustration]. Retrieved from FDA.
FDA plans consumer study on front-of-pack labeling
Research announced in the Federal Register this week will likely show 3,000 consumers different options and examine their understanding and reactions.
By Megan Poinski • Jan. 26, 2023 -
Homeland Security probes potential child trafficking at JBS slaughterhouses, NBC reports
A high number of minors the Labor Department found were illegally working for a cleaning contractor at two of the Brazilian meat giant’s plants were also migrants, officials told the network.
By Chris Casey • Jan. 23, 2023 -
USDA issues rule strengthening organic program
The final rule requires more certification, documentation and training to ensure that products bearing the government-regulated seal meet the standards. It goes into effect in March 2024.
By Megan Poinski • Jan. 20, 2023 -
Why food and beverage cases make up the majority of the ‘most ridiculous’ lawsuits
Three-quarters of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Legal Reform’s list of cases are proposed class action suits claiming ingredient and label information on CPG food and drink items are misleading.
By Megan Poinski • Jan. 19, 2023 -
FDA allows more vitamin D fortification in cereal and bars
Kellogg filed the petition to bump up the nutrient level of its products as consumers increasingly value health and immunity.
By Chris Casey • Jan. 12, 2023 -
Small meatpackers get $9.6M from the Biden administration
The administration will provide funds toward 25 projects across 15 states, which USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said will be targeted at areas that need them most.
By Chris Casey • Jan. 6, 2023 -
Genetically modified hens could end the culling of male chicks, tech company says
Huminn said its technology could allow chickens to produce only female offspring, which may eliminate the costs of sorting and killing males in commercial egg production.
By Chris Casey • Dec. 22, 2022 -
Motif FoodWorks continues to challenge Impossible Foods’ patents
After the European Patent Office revoked one of the plant-based meat maker’s patents, the food tech company objected to four others filed in the U.S.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 7, 2022 -
FDA needs to restructure Human Foods Program, report says
After reviewing the Reagan-Udall Foundation’s recommendations, Commissioner Robert Califf said he’s committed to making changes starting in early 2023.
By Megan Poinski • Dec. 7, 2022 -
McDonald’s sues meat companies for accusations of pork price-fixing
Smithfield, Tyson, JBS and Hormel are among the processors the fast food giant claims have worked together since 2008 to inflate the price of pork.
By Chris Casey • Nov. 29, 2022 -
Biden and food industry groups call on Congress to prevent rail shutdown
The president said he’s been advised that “there is no path to resolve the dispute at the bargaining table” before the Dec. 9 deadline.
By Sarah Zimmerman , Chris Casey • Nov. 29, 2022 -
For food industry to reach climate goals, COP27 highlights areas of improvement
As companies work to improve sustainability goals, activist groups and world leaders call for more reductions in emissions and waste.
By Chris Casey • Nov. 22, 2022 -
Race for regulation of cell-based meat
Upside Foods gets FDA greenlight for cultivated chicken
The California company received the first U.S. regulatory approval of any kind for meat grown from cells. It awaits a decision from the USDA before it can serve its products to consumers.
By Megan Poinski • Updated Nov. 16, 2022 -
FDA publishes final food traceability rule
New recordkeeping requirements as items such as produce, cheeses and eggs move through production and supply chain will go into effect in 2026.
By Megan Poinski • Nov. 16, 2022 -
Beyond Meat partners with American Cancer Society on research
The meat analog company will help facilitate data collection to see if plant-based alternatives could be linked to the prevention of chronic disease.
By Megan Poinski • Nov. 15, 2022 -
Food prices put Democrats at a disadvantage in midterm elections, analysts say
Political scientists said inflation widely gives Republicans an advantage with voters, but some argue shifting the focus to corporate power in the food industry could help Democrats.
By Chris Casey • Nov. 7, 2022 -
Sponsored by Flavor Producers
How to create value
With sustained increase in the costing of utilities, purchasing habits by “trading down” in food and beverage options is not only real, it’s upon us.
By Simon O’Brien Senior Creative Manager at Flavor Producers • Nov. 7, 2022 -
Impossible Foods’ patent affirmed in legal battle with Motif FoodWorks
While the ingredient company’s challenge to the plant-based meat maker’s intellectual property was not reviewed, the litigation between the two parties continues.
By Megan Poinski • Oct. 31, 2022 -
DOJ investigating poultry payment practices, Pilgrim’s Pride says
The poultry giant said it learned of the government’s civil investigation earlier this month. It warned any action from the review could impact its operations.
By Chris Casey • Oct. 28, 2022 -
Constellation transitions to passive role at Canopy Growth
As part of a deal, the alcohol giant would keep its existing 35.7% stake, but no longer be allowed to nominate representatives to the board or approve certain transactions.
By Christopher Doering • Oct. 25, 2022 -
Retrieved from Tyson.
Tyson will pay $10.5M to settle Washington poultry price-fixing suit
The state-level lawsuit includes 16 other chicken producers, which the attorney general says drove up consumer prices since at least 2008.
By Chris Casey • Oct. 25, 2022