Policy
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Report: 4 major meatpackers subpoenaed in DOJ antitrust investigation
After attorneys general and cattle associations call for a probe, Bloomberg said the federal government is demanding more information from Tyson Foods, JBS SA, Cargill and National Beef.
By Lillianna Byington • June 05, 2020 -
Permission granted by Sugar Association
Sugar Association asks FDA to overhaul sweetener labeling rules
Consumers want to know when alternative sweeteners are in food and drinks, and the current labeling is deceptive, the industry group said.
By Megan Poinski • June 04, 2020 -
Opinion
Working together to protect the food allergy community
FDA guidance on May 22 relaxing labeling standards caused shock and fear among consumers. FARE CEO Lisa Gable discusses what manufacturers should do to promote transparency and maintain trust.
By Lisa Gable • June 03, 2020 -
Emma Cosgrove
Employee fear of coronavirus tops food industry leaders' challenges, survey says
The Food Industry Executive found more than 40% of processors and one in five suppliers said workers have been afraid to come to their jobs during the pandemic.
By Megan Poinski • June 03, 2020 -
Food and beverage is the only sector projected to grow this year, report says
Euromonitor analysts say stay-at-home orders drove consumers to stock their pantries, but a likely global recession could prompt shoppers to become more thrifty in their purchases.
By Megan Poinski • June 01, 2020 -
FDA allows ingredient swaps without label changes
The guidance, published Friday, is meant to give manufacturers flexibility, but may have the unintended consequence of eroding consumer trust.
By Megan Poinski • May 26, 2020 -
DOJ clears pork industry's plan to collaborate on euthanizing hogs
As processing plants have shuttered and reduced production during the pandemic, farmers have nowhere to send their market-weight animals.
By Lillianna Byington • May 19, 2020 -
USDA/FPAC photo by Preston Keres. (2020). "20200512-FPAC-PLANTING-014.JPG" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Will a new USDA rule on GMO plants affect consumer sentiment?
Less oversight will be required for genetic modifications that can also be attained by breeding. The government says this will not impact food safety.
By Megan Poinski • May 18, 2020 -
Courtesy of Impossible Foods
$930M invested in alternative proteins in Q1 2020 tops record-setting 2019 totals
According to figures from the Good Food Institute, products that replace traditional meat, dairy and eggs are increasingly being embraced by financers, Big Food and consumers.
By Megan Poinski • May 14, 2020 -
Stephenson, Ben. (2006). Retrieved from Flickr.
Will Trump's executive order expanding fishing help the industry catch needed profits?
The move, which also provides $300 million in aid, is an effort to help seafood suppliers and has drawn support from fisheries, but environmental groups are criticizing it.
By Jessi Devenyns • May 12, 2020 -
Permission granted by Tim Fields
US meat exports to China rise as supply falls, analysis shows
Companies have warned of potential shortages as coronavirus infects workers, but shipments overseas have surged, according to a Reuters analysis.
By Lillianna Byington • May 12, 2020 -
U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved from Flickr.
As coronavirus spreads in meat plants, nearly 200 USDA inspectors test positive
Three Food Safety and Inspection Service inspectors have died from the virus. The agency said it has enough face masks to keep personnel supplied for the next few months.
By Lillianna Byington • May 11, 2020 -
USDA photo by Preston Keres. (2017). "20170428-OSEC-PJK-1465" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Lawsuit about worker conditions at Smithfield plant dismissed
Since the case was filed, the meat processor has made several changes to its Milan, Missouri location and OSHA has put in place new regulations on how manufacturing facilities should be run.
By Megan Poinski • May 06, 2020 -
USDA to purchase $470M in surplus meat, dairy and produce
After facing criticism that the government's efforts have been slow to help producers during the pandemic, the department said this will allow food to be distributed to communities nationwide.
By Lillianna Byington • May 05, 2020 -
Permission granted by Tyson Foods
Tyson CEO says meat supply will increase in back half of year
When asked if its plants could build back up to pre-coronavirus capacity given operational changes, such as social distancing, that need to be implemented, Noel White said, "The answer would be yes."
By Emma Cosgrove • May 05, 2020 -
USDA. (2017). Retrieved from Flickr.
Why Trump's executive order to keep meat plants open is seen as 'risky'
The president invoked the Defense Production Act to ease concerns about supply and liability among companies, but the move has drawn mixed reactions and raised questions about worker safety.
By Lillianna Byington • May 04, 2020 -
Justice Department approves DFA purchase of Dean Foods' assets
As a condition of the deal, antitrust officials said the dairy co-op must divest three processing plants to alleviate potential competitive harm.
By Lillianna Byington • May 04, 2020 -
Permission granted by Tyson Foods
Trump orders meat plants to remain open despite outbreaks
As the number of plant closures continue to rise and supply concerns grow, the president invoked the Defense Production Act to keep production running.
By Lillianna Byington • UPDATED: April 29, 2020 at 9:59 a.m. -
Bob Nichols. (2013). "20130822-OC-RBN-2946" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
2M chickens euthanized as coronavirus shuts down meat processors
As animals who were raised for the processing plants grow, producers are running out of room to keep them.
By Megan Poinski • April 28, 2020 -
Cal-Maine accused of price gouging in Texas lawsuit
The country's largest egg producer denies the accusation, saying spikes of about 300% came from "unprecedented retail demand."
By Megan Poinski • April 27, 2020 -
Virginia governor signs bill to regulate CBD in food
Despite federal prohibitions, the state's bill is intended to help guide the hemp industry by regulating facility conditions and production requirements.
By Lillianna Byington • April 21, 2020 -
How the federal $19B coronavirus relief fund can help farmers and food producers
After weeks of industry groups and companies asking for financial support, the department will purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat to distribute through the nation's food banks.
By Jessi Devenyns • April 21, 2020 -
Bob Nicols, USDA. (2013). "20130828-OC-RBN-3316" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
OpinionCOVID-19 and our food system: What we need to do now
In a world where fear dominates headlines and infects dialogue, Clareo's Scott Bowman writes about three ways to shift from anxiety to action to protect the safety and supply of food.
By Scott Bowman • April 21, 2020 -
PureCircle files another lawsuit claiming stevia patent infringement
The company's third patent case since 2017 claims Almendra's Steviarome product has aspects that too closely match its own.
By Megan Poinski • April 16, 2020 -
Virginia milk labeling bill vetoed
Gov. Ralph Northam wrote restricting the label to products from animals could hinder businesses' ability to thrive and may violate free speech.
By Megan Poinski • April 16, 2020
