Recall rodeo: Roping in risk with precision, not panic

How better traceability turns recall confusion into coordinated action.

April 20, 2026

Food waste began to decline 4 years after the pandemic, Refed finds

A combination of supportive laws and growth in spending on solutions may be moving the nation past “peak food waste,” according to a report.

By Jacob Wallace • April 17, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Food Dive

The food and beverage industry is changing rapidly and the actions companies take this year are likely to play a major role in defining their future. 

By Food Dive staff

Gatorade to remove artificial colors from top flavors in brand refresh

The PepsiCo beverage is repositioning itself beyond sports by focusing on everyday hydration.

By Laurel Deppen • April 16, 2026

Hershey wants a bigger bite of the functional foods market

CEO Kirk Tanner said the Reese’s maker sees the segment as an important growth driver and “has an aspiration for how big we can build that business.”

By Christopher Doering • April 14, 2026

FDA delays approval of 2 natural food dyes following safety objections

Critics said the agency skipped critical assessments when approving beetroot red and expanding uses for spirulina extract.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 9, 2026

Rethinking food production amid the shift toward natural ingredients

As dye bans expand and safety rules tighten, food makers face new pressures. Success hinges on adapting quickly while keeping products familiar.

By Mark Vermeij • April 6, 2026

How AI is being used to strengthen food safety

Automation could help contain issues as soon as they arise and before they become widespread, according to experts.

By Sara Samora • March 30, 2026

California to consider creating ‘not ultraprocessed’ food label

The state is weighing a first-of-its kind state verification program that gives companies the option to certify their products.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 26, 2026

USDA sued over state SNAP restrictions on candy, soda

Consumers bringing the lawsuit claim that the limits in their five states violate federal law and hurt both shoppers and retailers.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • March 16, 2026

Craft beer’s push into cans is leveling off, Brewers Association says

The conversion from glass bottles to cans may be reaching its ceiling, according to the trade group’s staff economist. Meanwhile, impacts from tariffs are still playing out.

By Maria Rachal • March 13, 2026

Senate Democrats push to ‘break up’ the meat industry

A proposal aimed at lowering consumer grocery prices would force companies like Tyson and Cargill to choose between beef, poultry and pork production.

By Sarah Zimmerman • March 12, 2026

MAHA calls processed food ‘poison’ but dodges regulatory responsibility. That should tell you everything.

The movement opts for public demonization over real action because it knows its ideas have no scientific or legal basis and won't survive court scrutiny, writes Sean McBride.

By Sean McBride • March 3, 2026

How McCormick is keeping up with food giants’ race to reformulate

More companies are looking to quickly add new flavors and boost nutritional content. The flavoring firm’s CEO said the recent “acceleration” is unlikely to abate anytime soon.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 26, 2026

Candy and soda makers prepare to ‘play offense’ on SNAP restrictions

With more states limiting what consumers can buy with food assistance benefits, Hershey and Keurig Dr Pepper are closely monitoring the potential sales impact.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 26, 2026

Food makers warn GLP-1s will have ‘lasting influence’ on sector

Weight loss medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, are already impacting sales and prompting companies to roll out smaller portions and more offerings with protein and fiber.

By Christopher Doering • Feb. 25, 2026

Food, beverage companies lagging on addressing forced labor risks: report

Despite widespread commitments, companies rarely implement the transparency and labor practices needed to address the issue, a study backed by the Business and Human Rights Centre found.

By Lauren Schenkman • Feb. 24, 2026

The measurement gap: 4 costly myths hindering experiential and sampling ROI

Each year, food brands pour small fortunes into experiential marketing programs that leadership can’t confidently defend.

Feb. 23, 2026

FDA to review ultraprocessed ingredients, but regulation unlikely

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the agency would “act on” a high-profile petition to reassess safety of commonly used additives, including high fructose corn syrup.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 19, 2026

Texas law requiring warning labels on snack foods temporarily blocked

A judge sided with the food and beverage industry's arguments that the disclosures violated the First Amendment, a setback for the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 12, 2026

FDA to reassess safety of food preservative BHA

The agency is reevaluating the additive found in lunch meats and cereal as part of a larger review of ingredients that have caused concern among consumers.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 12, 2026

How grocers are taking charge of food traceability requirements

Walmart and Kroger are among the retailers setting stricter standards that go beyond the federal requirements.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Feb. 4, 2026

McCormick tackles $50M tariff hit through pricing, other measures

The spice maker will stick with its 2025 playbook to mitigate tariff impacts this year, including alternative sourcing and other supply chain initiatives.

By Antone Gonsalves • Feb. 3, 2026

ADM to pay $40M to settle SEC accounting fraud probe

The agency also sued the ingredient maker’s former CFO, claiming he inflated the performance of the company’s key nutrition business segment.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Jan. 30, 2026

Trump admin puts spotlight on sugar in 2026 food policy agenda

The FDA plans to encourage the industry to reduce added sugar this year to align with a major priority of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 26, 2026

The countdown to Sunrise 2027: Why brands should act now

Exploring the potential opportunities for leveraging 2D barcodes beyond traceability.

Jan. 26, 2026