The truth about processed food

As we start to see governmental bodies looking to classification systems to inform policy, the importance of understanding what classifies food as processed or ultra-processed, as well as healthy versus unhealthy, becomes critical.  

April 22, 2019

'Added sugars' on food labels will improve health and save money

While relabeling and potentially reformulating are expensive propositions, a modeling study found it could prevent thousands of diabetes and cardiovascular disease cases.

By Cathy Siegner • April 18, 2019

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

Doctors group sues USDA, claiming chicken contaminated with fecal matter

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine says the agency has disregarded its concerns about the issue for six years.

By Lillianna Byington • April 18, 2019

4 major food companies call for stronger climate policies

Nestlé USA, Unilever, Danone North America and Mars — part of the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance — are lobbying the government to set a price on carbon.

By Cathy Siegner • April 16, 2019

Will voluntary salt-reduction guidelines be derailed by last-minute lobbying?

Several trade groups think the new sodium targets will be too costly, and their opposition has exposed differences within the industry about the impending change.

By Cathy Siegner • April 16, 2019

Edible insects, CBD and cell-cultured meat: Regulating the future of food

Lawyers and former FDA and USDA regulators ​gathered to discuss the future of these trends and how the government could decide to regulate them.

By Lillianna Byington • April 16, 2019

Tyson's VC arm invests in Clear Labs food safety tech

The company uses a robotic platform to detect pathogens and can get results in 24 hours, compared to the standard three to five days.

By Cathy Siegner • April 12, 2019

Cargill takes steps to source more sustainable coconut oil

The move, which protects the forests and growers who make a livelihood raising the crop, comes as consumers are increasingly concerned about where their food comes from.

By Cathy Siegner • April 11, 2019

How blockchain can change the food industry

Chris Copenhaver and Ken Reiff, co-leaders of Cushman & Wakefield’s Food & Beverage Advisory group, write that one of the most promising answers to increasing food safety is blockchain. 

By Chris Copenhaver and Ken Reiff • April 9, 2019

Is Maine's proposed extraction tax the latest attempt to squeeze bottled water?

The state's legislature is considering a fee on companies taking more than 1.5 million gallons from underground sources for commercial bottling — which seems to target Nestlé's Poland Spring.

By Cathy Siegner • April 9, 2019

How a water safety plan could help avoid leafy green outbreaks

After the recent romaine lettuce recalls, Bonduelle Fresh Americas is now requiring growers to treat everything used for overhead irrigation during the final three weeks of harvest.

By Cathy Siegner • April 8, 2019

How to free the market — and green it too

For once, the free market is helping the environment. Cameron Meyer Shorb of The Good Food Institute writes the government couldn't pick a worse time to intervene. 

By Cameron Meyer Shorb • April 8, 2019

Transparency and buying behavior are changing the game for category management

Manufacturers vying for customer loyalty must develop an omnichannel strategy that meets shopper demands for convenience and personalization, argues Label Insight co-founder Anton Xavier.

By Anton Xavier • April 4, 2019

Report: Pork safety inspection oversight shifting to processors

The Trump administration plans to cut federal inspectors by 40% starting next month, according to The Washington Post. 

By Cathy Siegner • April 4, 2019

Mississippi and South Dakota criminalize misuse of term 'meat'

The new laws are similar to one passed in Missouri that is the subject of a federal lawsuit, while a Montana bill awaits the governor's signature.

By Jessi Devenyns • April 4, 2019

How a US-Mexico border shutdown could hurt the food industry

In just three weeks, Americans could run out of avocados if shipments from Mexico are stopped. About 40% of imported fruit and half of vegetables come across the border. 

By Lillianna Byington • April 3, 2019

Salt Institute shuts down as new dietary policy discussion begins

The trade association didn't give any specific reasons for closing and its board said the group had made a positive impact over the years demonstrating "the essential nature of salt in our daily lives."

By Cathy Siegner • April 2, 2019

5 ways USDA's school programs fail 'Start Simple'

The U.S. Department of Agriculture doesn't seem to be following its own nutritional guidelines when it comes to cafeteria lunches. Jennifer Molidor from the Center for Biological Diversity identifies some of the inconsistencies.

By Jennifer Molidor • March 29, 2019

Is 'rice' the next battleground in the fight over food labeling terms?

As other terms like 'milk" and 'meat' are debated across the U.S., an Arkansas law has put in place a ban for anything that isn't derived from the grain.

By Jessi Devenyns • March 28, 2019

Study: 40% of U.S. consumers would try CBD

Despite a very recent declassification from a scheduled narcotic and few FDA regulations, interest in the hemp-derived substance for food and beverage is charging forward.

By Jessi Devenyns • March 27, 2019

Standardized date label legislation is a crucial step in addressing food waste

During a time filled with partisan debate, master of public health candidate ​Maya Sandalow writes that both sides of the aisle already agree upon one thing: perfectly good food should not be thrown out while millions go hungry.

By ​Maya Sandalow • March 27, 2019

Impossible Burger boasts much smaller carbon footprint than beef

A report released by the company found its plant-based burger uses less land and water and emits fewer greenhouse gases than its conventional counterpart.

By Cathy Siegner • March 22, 2019

How companies respond when consumers blame ingredients for making them ill

Shoppers have wanted more transparency about the food and drinks they buy, demanding additional testing to ensure the safety of products.

By Lillianna Byington • March 21, 2019

Study links 'tobacco tactics' with marketing unhealthy products to kids

Despite signing a pledge to urge healthier eating in their ads, researchers found food and beverage companies have used techniques once popular with R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris to boost sales. 

By Cathy Siegner • March 20, 2019

Kale rejoins the 'Dirty Dozen' list of pesticide-contaminated produce

More than 90% of samples of the leafy green, along with strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach and nectarines, tested positive for two or more pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group.

By Cathy Siegner • March 20, 2019