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

Using science to progress food's future: Q&A with the VP of the Mars Advanced Research Institute

The industry has opportunities for innovation, food safety and increasing food security. Abi Stevenson talks about how her division is using research to try and improve all of those things — and more.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 29, 2020

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

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

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. 8, 2020

4 Pilgrim's Pride execs and Koch Foods charged with chicken price fixing

The new indictments are the latest in the U.S. Justice Department's investigation into what it calls a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition in poultry.

By Lillianna Byington • Updated July 29, 2021

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. 5, 2020

Revol Greens raises $68M to build an 80-acre lettuce greenhouse

The funding will be used to open the world's largest indoor greens production facility in Texas and bring the company's annual production to 33 million pounds.

By Jessi Devenyns • Sept. 28, 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

Why the food supply chain needs a technology makeover

The pandemic shows that the methods that have been used are outdated. Rob Bailey of BackboneAI explains how to design a system that moves foods more smoothly.

By Rob Bailey • Sept. 21, 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

Smithfield settles with OSHA over COVID-19 outbreak

The pork processing giant will pay a $13,494 fine and create a team of experts to develop health-preparedness training for workers.

By Lillianna Byington • Updated Nov. 16, 2021

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

Consumer trends shifting toward health and wellness, ADM finds

The pandemic has made more people interested in foods that benefit their immunity, metabolism and mental state, as well as solidified the plant-based sector, according to research from the ingredients giant.

By Megan Poinski • Sept. 3, 2020

Miyoko's Creamery mostly victorious in plant-based butter labeling lawsuit

A judge ruled the California company does not confuse consumers by using language that is often associated with dairy products. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Updated Aug. 12, 2021

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