Regulation

Germany approves draft sugar tax on soft drinks – what this means for manufacturers

The proposed levy would introduce tiered rates based on sugar content, with potential implications for manufacturers

Learning platform for EU novel foods launched by think tank

The platform aims to develop insights to improve future pre-submission advice for novel foods

Dairy UK rejects ‘mega-dairy’ environment claims as calls made for tighter regulation

Dairy UK has defended the sector against claims that the rise of so-called “mega-dairies” is driving environmental damage.

Fibre targets, sugar caps and lunchbox rules: Is school snacking heading for a reset?

England’s school food overhaul will reward bakers and snack makers who pair better nutrition with products that survive a canteen, a budget and a hungry 11-year-old

FN+Environmental crime: Who could go to prison for EUDR breaches?

Serious breaches of the anti-deforestation regulation carry tough penalties

FN+McCormick-Unilever deal clears US antitrust hurdle as UK review deadline looms            

The FTC granted early termination of its US antitrust waiting period, while the UK’s CMA continues its Phase 1 review and Sen. Elizabeth Warren calls for closer scrutiny of major food-industry mergers

92% want to eat better. Only 14% think they do

New research from Ahold Delhaize reveals a striking gap between intention and action, highlighting the role retailers, manufacturers and policymakers can play in making healthier choices more affordable, accessible and achievable

FN+Huel ad banned by UK advertising body

The advert was seen as implying Huel could replace an entire human diet

When food marketing slips into misinformation

New EU-funded research reveals how vague claims, hidden sponsorships and emotive content can mislead consumers – and where producers risk crossing the line

FN+54% of Big Food say climate resilience is critical. Just 6% have a plan

Big Food talks a good game on climate investment but the reality differs

EFSA gives positive opinion on CBD

The opinion could mark a milestone for CBD’s use in food

FN+5 ways the EU is transforming food and agriculture

The EU is committing to food innovation and boosting the adoption of new technologies

FN+What the EU’s ‘meaty’ names ban means for hybrid meat

New proposals for labelling regulations have specified products must be exclusively composed of meat to merit ‘meaty’ names

FN+What could an EU UPF definition look like?

Not much is known about how the definition will turn out, but there are a few indications

FN+Science vs politics: Kiwi’s long road to EU health-claim approval

It took four years after Europe’s food-safety scientists backed green kiwifruit’s digestive-health claim for regulators in Brussels to approve it, raising the bigger question: What happens when the science is settled, but the politics are not?

FN+Terms including ‘burger’ and ‘sausage’ could be added to EU ‘meaty’ names ban

A range of terms have been added to the proposal

Opinion

No ingredient can make up for a balanced diet: Why ‘maxxing’ trends are not the answer

Consumers should not focus single-mindedly on any ingredient

The new sustainability playbook starts with suppliers

The race to build a climate-smart food system is putting ingredient suppliers in the spotlight

GLP-1 beverage innovation outpaces regulation, creating challenges for drinks manufacturers

Beverage innovation in the GLP-1 space is moving faster than regulations, meaning drinks companies could be facing “significant complexity” new research has warned.

FN+Is environmental compliance becoming Big Food’s biggest cost?

After years of delays, the EUDR’s arrival is scheduled for December 2026, prompting businesses to invest in sustainability and adopt an environment-first strategy

Global Food Tech Awards EMEA

FN+What’s driving Europe’s alternative protein sector in 2026?

Industry leaders see long-term growth in Europe’s alt protein market, despite a challenging environment

Former Nestlé CEO in legal dispute with Swiss food giant following sacking

Former Nestlé chief executive officer, Laurent Freixe, is challenging his dismissal in a dispute over lost bonuses and shares

Nutri-Score in the dock: Why Lactalis is taking it to court

The front-of-pack labelling scheme is facing a legal challenge over its algorithm changes

Opinion

Nestlé’s Dairy Plan is strong on disclosure but weak on detail

Disclosing emissions data is crucial for transparency and accountability, but companies like Nestlé must do more to show what’s behind the data

A decade of Brexit: 10 major impacts on F&B

It’s a decade since the UK’s historic vote to leave the European Union – and the results are mixed

British EUDR? UK government to introduce anti-deforestation rules

The proposal will affect imports from around the world, including coffee, cocoa, soy and palm oil

EU’s new gene-editing rules open the door for CRISPR

Under a new two-tier system, some gene-edited crops will face simplified regulation

How are Nestlé, Danone and Muscle Milk rethinking reformulation?

Additives and artificial colors and flavors continue to be axed from formulas as the industry balances a meeting consumers’ health goals with nutrition policy

Iran-US peace deal: What it means for food

The deal includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz

Heatwave winners and losers: what’s selling when temperatures rise?

Clear food and beverage trends emerge during a heatwave

Why dairy can’t ignore methane disclosure anymore

Regulation and investor pressure are slowly turning up the heat on dairy majors to report, disclose and reduce their GHG emissions

How sustainability is becoming ice cream’s next growth ingredient

Premium indulgence and snacking are driving momentum at ice cream major Froneri – and sustainability is underpinning both trends

Heatwave risks: How food manufacturers can prepare now

As Europe heats up, food must be ready

Is shrinkflation illegal now?

A recent court case involving Mondelēz suggests FMCGs could be penalised for reducing pack sizes. But is this really the case?

FN+Are some ultra-processed foods good for you?

Not all UPFs are created equal, and a new expert panel says federal regulators should draw a clear line between those that are harmful and those that doctors recommend

Nestlé and Danone: Baby food pouches under fire as microplastics found

Microplastics detected in Nestlé and Danone baby food pouches spark safety concerns

EUDR: How does the simplification impact compliance?

The regulatory burden has been significantly reduced

FN+When an ingredient goes viral, can the supply chain keep up?

As ingredient hype cycles accelerate, so do the risks of shortages, consistency and cost

FN+Sweet proteins gain global momentum with latest regulatory win

Amai Proteins’ sweet protein secures regulatory approval in Singapore after recent US nod

FN+Less sugar, more pressure: Scotland’s HFSS rules force a food industry rethink

With Scotland’s HFSS restrictions arriving in October, food manufacturers are under mounting pressure to reformulate products without sacrificing taste, texture or brand identity

FN+Mondelēz International loses court case over Milka shrinkflation

Changing the weight labelling is not enough to avoid deception, the court ruled

FN+FDA takes aim at BHT and ADA in new post-market food chemical safety program

With BHT and ADA already on their way out of the food supply, some experts question whether FDA’s “swift” action is too little, too late

From cereulide to botulism: Exposing the fault lines in infant nutrition safety

From recalled product remaining on shelves to weak marketing guidance, regulatory gaps across infant nutrition remain stark

FN+Instant coffee now included in EUDR

And a ‘no-risk’ benchmarking category is off the table

Italy’s antitrust watchdog slaps €23.3m fines on snack makers over alleged private label cartel

The country’s regulator says leading suppliers coordinated private label deals instead of competing for them

FN+How big a problem are microplastics?

The first global study of its kind quantifies the problem in the food and drink industry

FN+Aldi ramps up clean-label push with 44 new ingredient bans

Move affects 90% of store assortment as private-label-focused retailer responds to consumer ingredient concerns

Nestlé weathers formula crisis to deliver strong Q1 growth

Nestlé overcomes infant formula recall to deliver solid Q1 growth, powered by Coffee and Confectionery

FN+As EUDR looms, is the world’s most controversial ingredient ready?

Despite significant progress in the sector, barriers to compliance remain for palm oil

FN+Why Unilever’s $40bn food merger is raising red flags

Unilever’s $40bn food deal is supposed to sharpen focus. Instead it’s unsettled stakeholders, raising questions over the success of Big Food consolidation