FDA names safety vet acting head of food

Donald Prater will lead the Human Foods Program and replace Kyle Diamantas, who is taking over as department commissioner.

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 18, 2026

FDA chief Marty Makary resigns from agency, ending tumultuous tenure

Kyle Diamantas, previously the deputy commissioner for food, will lead the department in an acting capacity.

By Ben Fidler , Sarah Zimmerman • May 12, 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

[Podcast] Cold Chain 2026 – Evolving Under Pressure

  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 • May 12, 2026

DOJ confirms antitrust investigation into top beef producers

A top official said the Justice Department is using “every law enforcement tool available to help reduce food prices.”

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 5, 2026

Hemp THC ban remains intact after House abandons rescue plan

Lawmakers declined to delay or overturn restrictions on the buzzy category, which has grown into a significant competitor of the alcohol sector.

By Sarah Zimmerman • May 4, 2026

New York poised to become first state to close food ingredient ‘loophole’ criticized by RFK Jr

If approved, the bill would ban three additives and require safety data when companies determine that an ingredient is safe.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 30, 2026

Food giants hit with consumer lawsuit calling ultraprocessed ingredients addictive

The complaint against Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo and other companies aims to connect packaged foods and consumer health issues after a judge tossed a similar lawsuit last fall.

By Sarah Zimmerman • April 30, 2026

Why Hershey is making big changes to its sustainability strategy

While the Reese’s maker has “made tremendous progress,” there is still “a ton of work to do” as consumers pay more attention to what they eat, a top executive said.

By Christopher Doering • April 22, 2026

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

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