Policy

  • California Governor Gavin Newsom is seen speaking behind a podium
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    California becomes first state to ban ultraprocessed foods in schools

    The law is the first in the U.S. to set a legal definition of the term, which has become a growing target of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

    By • Oct. 14, 2025
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    Food recalls are on the rise. What happens to the waste?

    The Food and Drug Administration recalled nearly 85 million units through the first half of the year and managing this organic waste can be complicated.

    By Leslie Nemo • Oct. 14, 2025
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    Courtesy of Instacart
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    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
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    Color manufacturers sue to strike down West Virginia artificial dye law

    The lawsuit is the first major legal challenge from the food industry as more states consider ingredient restrictions as part of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.

    By • Oct. 9, 2025
  • A SNAP acceptance sign at a retailer
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    jetcityimage via Getty Images
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    SNAP restrictions may cost $1.6B for retailers to implement: report

    New findings from three industry groups estimate the upfront as well as ongoing maintenance price tags tied to compliance with new regulations.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • Oct. 8, 2025
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    AleksandarGeorgiev via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Circular Action Alliance

    Beyond compliance: How Circular Action Alliance supports producers through EPR

    As EPR laws for paper and packaging roll out across several U.S. states, producers must navigate a new and evolving regulatory landscape.

    Oct. 6, 2025
  • A woman holds a sign that says "MAHA Moms" as she sits on a stage surrounded by children
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    Opinion

    Right direction or wrong track: Is RFK Jr.’s food policy really making America healthier?

    Many of MAHA’s regulatory interventions come at great cost to companies and consumers with little or no health benefit, writes Sean McBride.

    By Sean McBride • Sept. 30, 2025
  • Food And Drug Administration Headquarters In Maryland
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    Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images
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    FDA proposes ban on rarely used Orange B food dye

    With the Trump administration's authority to revoke the artificial colors in question, it's targeting less common additives that are unlikely to garner industry pushback.

    By • Sept. 18, 2025
  • Packages of Folgers coffee on a grocery store shelf.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    JM Smucker to raise coffee prices again in the face of tariffs

    The Folgers and Café Bustelo owner is planning another hike for “early winter,” its third increase this year. 

    By Antone Gonsalves • Sept. 18, 2025
  • The logo of the Food and Drug Administration is seen in a close-up view of the agency's website.
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    Mario Guti via Getty Images
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    FDA takes first step toward closing GRAS ingredient ‘loophole’

    The agency is proposing a requirement that companies submit data when self-affirming an additive is safe for consumption.

    By • Sept. 11, 2025
  • A view of Toufayen gluten free chips
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    Jason Kempin via Getty Images
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    Food companies could be required to disclose when products contain gluten

    The proposal is part of a long-awaited Trump administration strategy report outlining policy goals of the "Make America Healthy Again" movement.  

    By • Sept. 11, 2025
  • A sign alerting customers about SNAP food stamps benefits is displayed in Spanish
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    Scott Heins via Getty Images
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    Private label, assortment changes may unlock SNAP spending

    Adjusting product selections can help grocers weather policy changes that could negatively impact SNAP consumers, a Coresight Research report found.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • Sept. 10, 2025
  • A piece of Good Meat's cultivated chicken
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Lab-grown meat makers sue Texas over ban on cultivated protein

    As more states restrict sales, startups Wildtype and Upside Foods argue the laws could threaten the survival of the nascent industry.

    By • Sept. 4, 2025
  • A shopper browses the snack aisle in a grocery store
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    David Ryder via Getty Images
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    4 food trends that could define the rest of 2025

    Companies are restructuring operations or rethinking M&A as they feel the heat from slowing sales and face pressure to transform their ingredient lists.

    By , • Aug. 27, 2025
  • A girl snacks on chips while sitting in a shopping cart
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Trump administration to explore limits on advertising unhealthy foods to kids

    A leaked draft of a White House policy roadmap addressing chronic health reveals the potential for new regulation on children’s marketing.

    By • Aug. 19, 2025
  • Coffee aisle at a grocery store.
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    Jenn Goodman/Food Dive
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    FMI says it’s concerned about tariffs’ impacts on grocery prices

    More than half of respondents to the trade group’s U.S. consumer trends survey for August said tariffs were their primary concern related to food costs.

    By Sam Silverstein • Aug. 18, 2025
  • Boxes of various Kellogg's cereals are displayed on shelves
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    WK Kellogg signs legal agreement to remove artificial dyes from cereals

    The deal with the Texas attorney general's office represents the first time a food company has gone beyond a voluntary commitment to phase out petroleum-based colors.

    By • Aug. 18, 2025
  • real good foods seed oil free chicken
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    Retrieved from Real Good Foods on August 14, 2025
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    Food companies consider switching from seed oils

    Frozen brand Real Good Foods made one of the largest-scale commitments to use beef tallow as the ingredient gains more prominence.

    By • Aug. 14, 2025
  • A package of Skittles sits on a table.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Mars to release Skittles and M&M’s without artificial dyes

    The candy giant stopped short of pledging to transition its entire portfolio to natural colors, though said it will offer options under some of its biggest brands.

    By • Aug. 14, 2025
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of Americans’ diet, CDC finds

    Burgers, snacks and sweetened beverages remain the primary source of calorie consumption among U.S. adults and children, researchers found.

    By • Aug. 7, 2025
  • A sign about acceptance of SNAP EBT at a grocery store.
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    Catherine Douglas Moran/Food Dive
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    More states ban soda and ‘junk food’ purchases from SNAP benefits

    Varying restrictions add more confusion for food companies already struggling with slowing sales.

    By • Aug. 6, 2025
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    jetcityimage via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    How SNAP changes could impact grocers

    Retailers are figuring out how to navigate new policies that are tightening participation in the food assistance program and restricting which items customers can buy.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • Aug. 4, 2025
  • Overhead view of rows of green plastic sparkling water bottles with purple screw caps, arranged in a symmetrical grid pattern and illuminated from below, creating a vibrant, glowing effect.
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    Alamy
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    Voluntary sustainable packaging goals are on the way out, Gartner says

    Companies are aligning their sustainability strategies with emerging legislation, such as EPR laws, according to the consulting firm. 

    By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2025
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. walks onto a stage. In the foreground, the FDA logo can be seen
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    FDA looks to answer the question: What makes food ultra processed?

    A formal definition could shape future regulation, including what can be eligible for school lunches or food assistance benefits.

    By • July 24, 2025
  • Tomatoes from Canada are displayed for sale at a Whole Foods store.
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    Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    US installs 17% tariff on tomatoes from Mexico

    The action came after the Commerce Department ended an agreement favored by U.S. distributors and importers.

    By Antone Gonsalves • July 21, 2025
  • Prepared foods offering, including grain bowls and deli sandwiches packed in plastic to-go containers
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    Courtesy of SpartanNash
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    Food industry pushes traceability rule changes amid Trump deregulation effort

    FMI is asking the administration for more flexibility on the Food Traceability Rule and to withdraw proposed front-of-pack nutrition label standards.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • July 21, 2025