Affordability, health and trust: What the midterms signal for food manufacturers
As Democrats take Congress, food companies face a new competitive advantage: trust
Regulation
Democrats face grocery affordability test as one-third of shoppers cut meals
As Democrats prepare to take control of Congress, new dunnhumby research shows mounting financial pressure is changing how Americans eat and shop
News Bites
What comes next for reformulation, UPFs and retail?
This month’s stories highlighted food policy that may provide more flexibility for manufacturers, the UPF debate and how digital commerce is shaping one of the biggest CPG brands
Indonesia delays halal law again: Will industry ever be ready?
Indonesia has delayed implementation of its halal regulations once again, raising fresh questions over industry readiness, compliance and the path to enforcement.
Dairy farmers press Congress on Milk from Family Dairies Act
The bill would link dairy production to domestic demand to stabilize farmer income; opponents say it would restrict growth and raise grocery costs
Seafood industry backs Trump seafood strategy but raises questions on ‘US-Caught’ label
FDA tackles seafood origin labeling amid push to boost US fishing industry
Nestlé USA and Gerber lawsuit puts heavy metals in baby food back in the spotlight
As baby food litigation grows, Texas takes aim at Nestlé USA’s Gerber
Dairy Innovations
Better Dairy self-affirms GRAS status for lactopontin
The precision fermentation company is targeting US nutrition and supplement launches while pursuing a separate regulatory pathway for infant formula
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
FDA eases salt-substitute rules amid MAHA push for healthier foods
The final rule gives food and beverage manufacturers greater flexibility to reduce sodium in products ranging from bread rolls and canned tuna to salad dressing and cheese, supporting FDA’s broader sodium-reduction goals
AI shopping assistants could become the next retail media battleground
The technology promises convenience and personalization, but critics say it may deepen existing pay-to-play dynamics between retailers and brands
USDA official warns of legal risks as MAHA leans on ‘government by signal’
Voluntary commitments, agency guidance and informal government-industry engagement can move food policy faster, but they may also expose companies to litigation and state-level regulatory patchwork, says USDA General Counsel Tyler Clarkson
News Bites
Big Food’s moves on climate, nutrition and tech
Food companies, policymakers and researchers reshape the conversation around food production and processing, as business strategies are evolving alongside them
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
Gluten-free claims in the Middle East face tougher regulations
GCC regulators have submitted new standards to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that could tighten gluten-free food requirements
FDA’s GRAS overhaul could add pressure to agency – can AI help?
SciPinion says its new SciBridge Safety Suite can help companies identify and document similarities between new ingredients and substances FDA has previously reviewed, potentially easing pressure on an already resource-constrained agency
Flavors of the future: global inspiration meets local innovation
Letter from the editor: Flavors of the future
From Filipino ube to North African harissa – how are global flavors shaping CPG innovation and what ingredients are leading the charge?
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
EFSA gives positive opinion on CBD
The opinion could mark a milestone for CBD’s use in food
Soup-To-Nuts Podcast
What’s holding organic back? The industry takes its case to Congress
Organic industry stakeholders press lawmakers on domestic production, infrastructure, farm relief and enforcement as the sector works to grow beyond $76 billion
Whole Foods CEO warns supply constraints could hinder organic industry’s next $24B
Organic sales reached $76.6 billion in 2025, but Whole Foods CEO Jason Buechel says supply constraints, producer economics and price perceptions could determine how quickly the market reaches $100 billion
General Mills, Kellanova, Mars and McKee Foods sue sugar producers over alleged price-fixing
The food companies’ lawsuit alleges sugar producers used nonpublic competitor data to fix, raise and maintain granulated-sugar prices for years
Indonesia formalises halal rules for GM food imports
Indonesia has notified the WTO of formal halal requirements for genetically modified food imports, with additional compliance measures expected to follow
Policy Picks: India energy drinks, Japan earthquake and Aussie food fraud
India energy drinks, Japan earthquake and Aussie food fraud feature in this edition of Policy Picks
Australia food labelling under scrutiny as FSANZ weighs reforms
FSANZ is consulting on changes to food labelling rules as an investigation into food fraud and misleading labels raises fresh questions about Australia’s food labelling system
How brands can rebuild trust after a recall
Food recalls trigger category-wide callouts and traceability emerges as a competitive and strategic tool for brands to maintain consumer trust
CPGs could get relief from packaging claims patchwork, but with strings attached
Two bipartisan bills advancing in Congress would establish national standards for recyclable and recycled-content claims, but environmental advocates are challenging their approach to mass balance and state preemption
