Judge blocks USDA reorganization under Trump, but relief may be brief
A federal judge has temporarily blocked key parts of USDA’s reorganization, including planned office closures and employee relocations, pending litigation
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
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
News Bites
Food’s new rules: Regulation, reformulation and the reinvention of legacy brands
Transparency, health and regulation emerged as the defining forces shaping the food industry this month
FDA wants more GRAS oversight – but can it handle the workload?
FDA wants companies to notify the agency when they determine food ingredients are Generally Recognized As Safe. But with hundreds of potential notifications and fewer staff, questions remain over whether FDA has the resources to review them
Marion Nestle and former Kellogg exec team up on cereal industry exposé
‘Sugar Coated’ connects decades of cereal-box designs to the policies governing food labels and health claims
Could FDA’s GRAS proposal chill investment in novel food ingredients?
Mandatory GRAS notifications could make regulatory risk a bigger factor in fundraising, partnerships and M&A, potentially pushing innovators toward safer bets and away from riskier products
Grocery volume declines deepen as SNAP cuts reshape shopper behavior
As tighter SNAP eligibility reduces food-assistance participation, shoppers are shifting toward staples, value brands and lower-priced retailers, which is putting new pressure on grocery sales
Feds threaten prosecution over undisclosed digital surveillance pricing
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public input on a proposed enforcement policy targeting businesses that secretly use consumer data to set individualized prices
FDA considers new natural food color petitions as synthetic dye phaseout looms
Petitions seek approval for safflower yellow, expanded uses for gardenia blue and changes to carrot oil production as food makers move away from synthetic dyes
Canadian dairy groups urge Government to protect food sovereignty in US trade talks
Dairy groups in Canada have urged the Government to defend the sovereignty of its food production while in negotiations with the US.