Courts are trending toward broader patent eligibility

While it has been difficult to get a patent on a lab-made food item that is identical to what's found in nature, attorneys Jessica L.A. Marks and Virginia L. Carron write that the tide may be turning.

By Jessica L.A. Marks and Virginia Carron • Nov. 21, 2018

FDA and USDA will jointly regulate cell-cultured meat

The two regulating arms said they would work together on the tech-heavy area in November, and a formal agreement was issued Thursday. 

By Megan Poinski • Updated March 8, 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

Just in time for Thanksgiving: Ground turkey recall linked to salmonella outbreak

Jennie-O has recalled about 147,276 pounds of ground turkey linked to a salmonella outbreak that has so far resulted in 164 illnesses, 63 hospitalizations and one death.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 19, 2018

Global food prices face a 'melting pot of risks' in 2019: Rabobank

The Dutch banking and financial services company forecasts continued uncertainty due to ongoing trade wars, livestock diseases and extreme weather.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 19, 2018

Startups targeting food waste reduction raise $125M this year

Foundation grants for groups dedicated to this issue hit $134 million from January through September 2016, a 70% jump over five years.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 16, 2018

The good news is there are more food labels — and that's the bad news, too

While these should give consumers more knowledge about a product, sometimes they do nothing but confuse. Jes Walton of Green America writes about how to help consumers understand the information. 

By Jes Walton • Nov. 9, 2018

Election results: What ballot measures affecting food and grocery passed?

Voters approved a ban on all new grocery taxes in Washington and an animal confinement initiative in California during the midterm elections Tuesday.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 7, 2018

Duncan Hines cake mixes recalled following positive salmonella test

Conagra says the product may be linked to five illnesses under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 7, 2018

OTA solicits ideas to develop 'checkoff-like' program for organics

After the USDA nixed the proposed rule to establish a mandatory initiative to help fund research, promotion and education for the organic industry, the trade association is pushing forward on a voluntary private-sector variation. 

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 6, 2018

Lawsuit: Consumers won't believe a vegan substitute is not butter

A New York woman has sued Miyoko's Kitchen, claiming people are being duped into thinking the company's spread is functionally and nutritionally equal to the dairy-based product.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 6, 2018

3 measures on the ballot that could impact food and grocery

Voters will decide whether to ban all new grocery taxes — including those on soda — in Washington and Oregon, and may change animal welfare requirements for meat and eggs sold in California.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 6, 2018

When it comes to food policy, the midterm elections may have consequences

Real change may come to Washington after Tuesday, but Sean McBride of DSM Communications writes that could set the stage for more years of tumult.

By Sean McBride • Nov. 5, 2018

Do consumers want their food served with a side of politics?

Land O'Lakes and Ben & Jerry's recently made news for political reasons, but new data shows customers have mixed opinions on this kind of involvement. 

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 5, 2018

How can another E. coli outbreak on romaine lettuce be prevented?

The Food and Drug Administration identified a contaminated irrigation canal in Yuma, Arizona as the source of the outbreak that sickened 210 — including 96 hospitalizations, 27 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome and five deaths.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 2, 2018

Research: Poultry is safer and lasts longer with new packaging technology

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service found using electrical current to create ozone in sealed packages could reduce campylobacter by 90% and salmonella by 60%.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 1, 2018

Sesame may become a top allergen, FDA says

The agency is studying the prevalence and seriousness of reactions to the seed, said Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, which may result in major labeling changes.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 31, 2018

Clear Labs closes $21M funding round to advance food safety solutions

The company plans to use the money to expand features and increase commercialization of its testing platform, which uses targeted next-generation sequencing to find and track pathogens.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 30, 2018

Should consumers worry about glyphosate residue in food and beverages?

A new study shows levels of the chemical in orange juice declined from a year ago, but the debate continues about how much is considered safe.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 29, 2018

Why whole genome sequencing is not the right tool for routine pathogen testing

Targeted sequencing is quicker, less expensive and yields more accurate results, writes Clear Labs CEO and co-founder Sasan Amini.

By Sasan Amini • Oct. 26, 2018

Nutritionists want all fruit and vegetable claims to be the real deal

In comments on the Food and Drug Administration's multi-year nutrition innovation strategy, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks for a crackdown on deceptive labeling. 

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 25, 2018

General Mills goes against the grain with traditional farming methods to fight climate change

The 152-year-old CPG company wants to incorporate more organic acreage and work with perennial grains, cover crops and pollinator habitats, which are all naturally regenerative practices.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 23, 2018

Food companies can make nutrition affordable to low-income consumers with a mix of tech and tradition

This report from the Institute for the Future and commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation makes specific recommendations about how to create better products for this group during the next decade.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 22, 2018

Can a national coalition get manufacturers to cut sugar by 40% in 7 years?

The National Salt and Sugar Reduction Initiative, announced last week, wants a voluntary limit of the sweetener in packaged foods and drinks by a percentage depending on the product.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 22, 2018

Reading between the 'clean label' lines

While consumers clamor for simple ingredients, Rob Wong of Agri-Neo points out that on the way to being used in products, some items undergo even more chemical processes.

By Rob Wong • Oct. 22, 2018

Can Cornucopia Institute's new guide clear up questions about organic eggs, dairy and poultry?

The watchdog group said it produced the website following consumer concerns about reports that imported organic grains do not necessarily deserve the label.

By Cathy Siegner • Oct. 19, 2018