Will Congress be left to define ultraprocessed foods?

As the FDA delays its proposed definition, lawmakers have stepped up to take action.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 13, 2026

FDA lays out plan to close ingredients ‘loophole’ targeted by RFK Jr

Food industry groups say the agency is limited in its authority to require more transparency under the controversial GRAS framework, pushing for Congress to approve a national standard.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Updated Aug. 11, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Food Dive

Check out a selection of articles about some of the biggest trends and news — from McCormick’s reformulation strategy to the impact of GLP-1s  — shaping the food industry in 2026.

By Food Dive staff

More ultraprocessed foods could carry GMO labels after court ruling

The USDA will need to rewrite labeling standards for bioengineered foods by 2028 after a judge ruled against exemptions for highly refined ingredients.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 6, 2026

Chobani faces revived lawsuit claiming ‘zero sugar’ label deceived consumers

A judge ruled the complaint could continue after the FDA said allulose counted as a sugar despite past enforcement discretion guidance. 

By Laurel Deppen • Aug. 4, 2026

How the shift away from artificial dyes is impacting food sales

Sales of products with natural colors grew more than those using synthetic dyes, a report from the National Confectioners Association and RTI International found.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 30, 2026

US to lift Mexico cattle ban to combat high beef prices

The USDA will remove restrictions placed to contain the spread of a deadly livestock parasite as the Trump administration looks to tamp down grocery inflation.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 28, 2026

General Mills subpoenaed in Florida ingredients investigation

The state’s attorney general is requesting safety information and documentation from the Pillsbury owner connected to breadmaking additive potassium bromate.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 20, 2026

Defining ultraprocessed foods proves ‘challenging,’ FDA food head says

Donald Prater, acting deputy commissioner of food, said the Trump administration is still making the definition a “priority.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 15, 2026

General Mills plans supply chain revamp

The upgrade, part of a $3 billion cost cutting effort, is critical because the company’s current network was built for a lower-volume era, executives said.

By Antone Gonsalves • July 15, 2026

PepsiCo CFO says tariff refund will help offset inflation

“We do expect some more pressure on the business from a commodity standpoint,” CFO Steve Schmitt said on an earnings call.

By Alexei Alexis • July 14, 2026

For producers, for the planet: Why we need conservation on farmland

Conservation agriculture practices have short and long-term benefits, yet adoption lags.

By Melissa Willhouse-Chase • July 13, 2026

California standardizes date labeling, Virginia bans foam food containers

While 2026 has already seen multiple new packaging laws implemented, the year’s halfway mark brings a few more.

By Maria Rachal • July 10, 2026

As MAHA clashes with courts, is RFK Jr’s food policy agenda on life support?

The movement’s passion for bad ideas, penchant for public intimidation and reliance on government mandates is meeting its match in federal judges, writes Sean McBride.

By Sean McBride • July 8, 2026

Sara Lee owner to remove artificial preservatives from top brands

The reformulations will take effect before 2028, part of a sweeping commitment to clean label ingredients.

By Laurel Deppen • July 7, 2026

Food giants defeat lawsuit calling ultraprocessed products addictive

A court ruled that a correlation between the rise in ultraprocessed foods and an increase in childhood diseases does not amount to causation.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 6, 2026

FDA adds caffeine labeling to regulatory priority list

The disclosure comes after Celsius and other energy drink manufacturers face mounting scrutiny for allegedly failing to disclose health risks to consumers.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 2, 2026

Cal-Maine to donate 30M eggs in DOJ price-fixing settlement

The country's largest egg producer will also pay $1.5 million in an agreement that also involves producers Hickman's Egg Ranch and Versova.

By Sarah Zimmerman • July 1, 2026

Takis to remove artificial colors

The spicy rolled tortilla chip brand popular among children will phase out synthetic dyes and the preservative TBHQ by the end of the year. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • June 29, 2026

PepsiCo, Coca-Cola to add QR codes for ingredients transparency

The beverage giants are joining an industrywide effort to connect consumers with government safety data as shoppers become increasingly concerned about what’s in their food and drinks.

By Sarah Zimmerman • June 25, 2026

Judge blocks states from excluding soda and candy from SNAP

A federal district court ruled that the USDA exceeded its legal authority when it approved five state waivers barring participants from buying certain foods through the food assistance program.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • June 24, 2026

How Mars and Mondelēz fared on 2025 packaging targets

The snacking giants’ most recent sustainability reports show progress, though both companies fell short on some goals.

By Maria Rachal • June 22, 2026

Bill in Congress targets ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging

The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act seeks to ban PFAS, phthalates, BPA and certain other substances from food packaging and food processing materials.

By Maria Rachal • June 16, 2026

[Podcast] Cold Chain 2026 – Evolving Under Pressure Episode 2

This podcast series examines the forces reshaping cold chain operations, from trade volatility and tariffs to AI adoption and supply chain resilience.

By Food Dive's studioID • June 11, 2026

SNAP waivers could lead to $830M sales loss for soda, candy, energy drinks

By the end of 2026, state-specific restrictions are expected to impact one-third of participants in the government food assistance program, Numerator found.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • May 29, 2026

FDA to reassess safety of ‘yoga mat’ chemical in food

The agency will review ADA and chewing gum preservative BHT as it backs away from a plan to prioritize ingredient safety evaluations based on consumer concern.

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 21, 2026