Policy

OSHA fines JBS, Conagra for violations during pandemic

A Missouri Conagra facility was cited with a $2,121 proposed penalty for its record-keeping, while a JBS plant in Wisconsin was fined $13,494 for workplace issues, including employees working too close.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 29, 2020

Child labor in cocoa production rises despite industry promises, report says

In Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, it increased 14% between the 2009 and 2019 harvest seasons, while overall cocoa production went up 62%, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and University of Chicago.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 22, 2020

Former Blue Bell CEO indicted on charges of covering up 2015 listeria outbreak

While charges against Paul Kruse were initially dismissed, he is now being accused of wire fraud and conspiracy by a federal grand jury.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 22, 2020

Alcohol needs to carry a cancer warning, public health groups urge government

This is not the first time advocates have requested regulators reevaluate the warning label, but the current push provides fresh evidence that it may be gaining momentum.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 22, 2020

Opinion

Elections have consequences: How a Biden win could reshape the food policy agenda

If the former vice president wins the White House, there will be significant changes in regulatory priorities and a new focus on larger issues impacting the industry, writes Sean McBride of DSM Strategic Communications.

By Sean McBride • Oct. 19, 2020

FDA to examine labeling for some alternative sweeteners

The agency may be opening the door to additional reform with other sugar substitutes as it tries to figure out how they fit into the Nutrition Facts panel.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 19, 2020

Pilgrim's Pride agrees to $110.5M fine in chicken price-fixing plea deal

The company will be the first to plead guilty in court to allegations of conspiring to inflate broiler chicken prices, which have engrossed the poultry industry in recent years. 

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 14, 2020

Goya invests $80M to expand plant as demand for its products grows

The family-owned maker of Hispanic foods has benefited from increased interest in ethnic offerings and a resurgence in home eating during the pandemic.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 14, 2020

Tofurky sues Louisiana over plant-based meat labeling law

Several states have passed similar labeling measures targeting the plant-based meat industry, but they have not held up well when challenged in court.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 12, 2020

PBR cannabis-infused seltzer launches in California

Pabst Labs was granted the rights to create these drinks under the brand's name. Each nonalcoholic beverage contains 5 milligrams of THC, 4 grams of sugar and 25 calories.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 08, 2020

New chicken price-fixing indictment charges 6 more with conspiracy

Court documents say the defendants tried "to suppress and eliminate competition by rigging bids and fixing prices" of broiler chicken products from at least 2012 to at least early 2019.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 07, 2020

Deep Dive

Where they stand: Political donations from 10 of the largest food and beverage makers

Companies appear to be sitting out of the heated election cycle as contributions across the board dropped this year, with Democrats receiving 30% less and the GOP and trade group PACs seeing a 50% drop.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 05, 2020

The Kraft Heinz procurement overhaul is here

Chief Procurement Officer Marcos Eloi outlined four areas he's working to transform: sourcing, manufacturing, centralization and product development. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 28, 2020

FDA proposes detailed traceability standards for food likely to be contaminated

Published in the Federal Register this week, the rule would establish a single method for tracing items, which could help stop foodborne illness outbreaks.

By Megan Poinski • Sept. 22, 2020

Lawsuit claims Oklahoma's plant-based labeling law violates First Amendment rights

Upton's Naturals and the Plant Based Foods Association have teamed up again to battle legislation, this time arguing against a requirement for a disclaimer on labels that is the same size as the brand's name. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Sept. 17, 2020

Report: Big Food uses the pandemic to push unhealthy items

The NCD Alliance and Spectrum Consortium say these companies put consumers at greater risk for COVID-19 by marketing items that could lead to obesity and other health concerns.

By Jessi Devenyns • Sept. 14, 2020

JBS gets $15,615 OSHA fine for fatal coronavirus outbreak

While the meat processor is saying the citation is without merit, critics are calling it "measly" and offensive to the six workers who died. 

By Lillianna Byington • Sept. 14, 2020

OSHA fines Smithfield for 'failing to protect employees' from coronavirus

The Labor Department is ordering the meat company's Sioux Falls plant to pay $13,494, the maximum amount allowed by law, which it plans to contest. 

By Lillianna Byington • Sept. 11, 2020

New USDA rules modernize egg product inspection

The regulations, which will be published in the Federal Register this week, remove full-time government inspectors from these factories.

By Megan Poinski • Sept. 10, 2020

Miyoko's Kitchen can call its plant-based products 'butter,' judge rules

Following in the footsteps of many previous cases, a federal judge ruled consumers aren't confused by the label, even though it uses terminology associated with an animal product.

By Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 26, 2020

Egg price gouging case against Cal-Maine dismissed in Texas

The egg producer's successful motion to dismiss the case cited both the state and U.S. Constitutions. It could be trouble for a similar lawsuit in New York.

By Megan Poinski • Aug. 19, 2020

PureCircle fined $575,000 for using prison labor for imported stevia

The sweetener producer denies wrongdoing, but the real question may be how this impacts Ingredion, which acquired a controlling stake in the company last month.

By Megan Poinski • Aug. 18, 2020

Government and industry form alliance to protect meatpacking workers

The agreement between the Department of Labor and the North American Meat Institute is being heavily criticized by unions that fear it only gives companies more power.

By Lillianna Byington • Aug. 17, 2020

New York accuses Hillandale Farms of egg price gouging

Early in the pandemic, the state said the producer made $4 million in two months from unlawful price increases, charging up to four times the price at the beginning of the year. 

By Megan Poinski • UPDATED: Aug. 12, 2020 at 1:22 p.m.

Lawsuit challenges California's ban on soda taxes

The plaintiffs argue the law prohibiting cities from enacting them until 2031 is illegal because it curtails local governments’ ability to raise funds for public services.

By Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 11, 2020