Policy: Page 2

Proposal would move GMO food animal regulation to USDA

Moving this approval from the FDA — which gives bioengineered food animals the same scrutiny as new drugs — is wanted by farm groups.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 22, 2020

FDA OKs 'potassium salt' for ingredient labels

Ingredients company NuTek Food Science petitioned the agency in 2016 to allow a more consumer-friendly name for potassium chloride, the nutrient-dense salt replacement.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 18, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Trendline

Natural and organic

Natural and organic foods have caught a brisk tailwind during the pandemic, as consumers increasingly seek out food options with a health halo.

By Food Dive staff

USDA plans to crack down on nitrate and nitrite labeling claims in meat

In response to a request from the Center for Science in the Public, the department said it intends to approve non-synthetic sources such as celery powder as curing agents.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 16, 2020

Deep Dive

From science to reality: What approval of cell-based meat means for the industry

Singapore's approval of cultured meat is the beginning of a journey to bring something new to the business and potentially change how the world makes food.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 15, 2020

FDA approves GMO pork, but there's no determination if it's safe for those with allergies to eat

GalSafe pigs cause no reaction in pharmaceutical uses and general consumption, but their path as a food is unclear without further safety verifications.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 15, 2020

Biden to tap Obama agriculture secretary Vilsack for same post at USDA, reports say

The former Iowa governor led the department that deals with agriculture, food aid and food safety from 2009 to early 2017. He is seen as a consensus pick.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 09, 2020

Senators and alcohol industry pressure Congress for tax relief

The popular tax break for alcohol producers continues to have support, but there is no guarantee that it will be reinstated come 2021.

By Jessi Devenyns • Dec. 03, 2020

Labeling on plant-based meat is 'potentially misleading,' judge rules

An Oklahoma court issued the first ruling that favored state labeling restrictions on the segment, denying the motion for an injunction as the case continues. 

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 03, 2020

Eat Just lands first regulatory approval for cell-based meat

Singapore has greenlighted the company's chicken bites, which will be sold at a restaurant on the island nation in the near future.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 02, 2020

Supreme Court hears human rights abuses case against Nestlé USA and Cargill

The companies are accused of not doing enough to monitor their cocoa suppliers in West Africa, where there have been years of accusations of child slavery and labor. 

By Lillianna Byington • Dec. 02, 2020

Deep Dive

By the numbers: Examining the cost of the pandemic on the meat industry

Over the last eight months, some of the largest companies have spent millions to deal with the coronavirus and seen thousands of workers get infected, while meat supply and pricing fluctuate.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 19, 2020

Deep Dive

OSHA comes under fire for 'paltry' fines and lax guidance to meat plants

While critics call the citations "less than a slap on the wrist," companies including Smithfield and JBS have denounced the fines, saying they followed the agency's recommendations for the pandemic once they were available.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 17, 2020

Food and beverage groups ask White House for priority on COVID-19 vaccines

Fifteen trade associations sent President Donald Trump a letter asking for a federally regulated vaccine distribution program and prioritization for their members once it comes out. 

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 13, 2020

Stampede Meat sues New Mexico to fight plant closure order

The state health department told it to shutter for two weeks after at least six workers tested positive for the coronavirus, but the company is arguing in court that it violates President Trump's executive order.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 11, 2020

What could Biden's win mean for the CPG industry?

The Consumer Brands Association outlined its expectations for the new administration, saying it could lead to policy shifts in regulation and the federal response to COVID-19, but uncertainty on the legislative front.

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 10, 2020

FDA publishes sesame labeling draft guidance

While the government has not yet concluded the seed is a top allergen, this document, which would ask for voluntary disclosure of the ingredient, indicates a change may be on the way.

By Megan Poinski • Nov. 10, 2020

Judge rules GMO salmon needs more environmental assessment, but can still be sold

The first batch of the fast-growing AquAdvantage fish, which is the first genetically modified animal product to be federally approved, is set to be harvested and marketed this year.

By Megan Poinski • Nov. 09, 2020

Lawmaker calls for probe into JBS' government subsidies

Rep. Rosa DeLauro​ sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue renewing her calls for an investigation after the meatpacker's parent company pleaded guilty to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. 

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 04, 2020

Opinion

Avoiding the aura of fraud in organic certification

Organic food is big business, and regulations — both required and voluntary — are there to protect the seal's integrity. Erin Westbrook and Matthew Veenstra of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr explain how suppliers can get products through the system.

By Erin Westbrook and Matthew Veenstra • Nov. 03, 2020

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