Food safety and labeling

Chinova Bioworks secures $6m to expand production, application of clean-label, mushroom-based preservative

23-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Canadian food-tech startup Chinova Bioworks is ramping up production of its natural mushroom-based preservative Chiber with the opening of a new production facility this fall and expanding its applications with help from a $6m series A fundraise announced...

USDA investments to ‘transform’ food system could shift power between large, established players and small, mid-sized challengers

02-Jun-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Announcing the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars across the supply chain, the US Department of Agriculture says it hopes to rebalance the food system’s historic focus on efficiency with much-needed resiliency so that the country is better...

Kellogg exec presents three ways to improve the food system

18-May-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

With the global food system under significant pressure to keep up with the world's growing population, The Kellogg Company's SVP of global R&D and innovation Dr. Nigel Hughes presents how international food and beverage companies can take...

Potential review of ‘ultra-processed food’ by dietary guideline committee could portend trouble for packaged food industry

22-Apr-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Undefined and increasingly under fire for allegedly delivering low nutrition but high calories, so-called ultra-processed food could be under the microscope during the next review of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, slated for publication in 2025.

WATCH: Gut health soda, plant-based, and regenerative agriculture... Trendspotting with PRESENCE

13-Apr-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

With 33 years operating in the natural foods industry, national food broker PRESENCE has seen many trends come and go and others grow into long-term growth drivers for the industry.

'Unconstitutional' Louisiana law restricting ‘meaty’ terms on plant-based products has 'chilling' effect on commercial speech, says judge

29-Mar-2022 By Elaine Watson

A district court in Louisiana has determined that a state law restricting the use of 'meaty' terms on food labels to products derived from slaughtered animals is unconstitutional, in a ruling hailed by Tofurky as "a victory for the entire...

Local Bounti co-CEO talks future of indoor farming: 'The whole industry has been plagued with a lot of over committing and underachieving'

24-Mar-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Many indoor farming companies - while noble in their pursuit of providing consumers with access to locally-grown produce with a longer shelf life and free from pesticides and other contaminants from conventional field farming - have struggled to create...

Farmer Focus’ expansion underscores alternative model to ‘anti-competitive’ meatpacking practices

16-Feb-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

The opening of organic and Humane Certified chicken company Farmer Focus’ 78,000 square foot packaging facility in Harrisonburg, Va., announced today, is a testament to the sustainability and scalability of an alternative business model to those of the...

Fighting food waste: Study investigates most effective and supported solutions

08-Feb-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

As food waste continues to be an issue for many households and the food industry at large, researchers investigated which solutions consumers are most inclined to adopt to cut down on the amount of food that goes to waste in the US.

Swiss lab develops plant-based coating to preserve produce for Lidl markets

25-Jan-2022 By Asia Sherman

Swiss scientists have engineered a plant-based cellulose coating that extends the shelf life of produce and reduces waste.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Innovations in upcycling open door to reach sustainability goals, boost profits

17-Jan-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Innovation within the nascent upcycled food and beverage industry is exploding as manufacturers and ingredient suppliers large and small are drawn to the promise of potentially higher profits, a viable path to ambitious sustainability goals and a consumer-friendly...

'This is an olive oil for everyone': Graza debuts premium, affordable olive oil in squeeze bottle format

12-Jan-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Graza, a new single-origin olive oil brand, is carving out a niche spot in a crowded category with premium extra-virgin olive oil products available at an affordable price point in easy-to-use squeeze bottles, a packaging first for the category, said...

Sesame allergies: Lack of clear labeling linked to higher occurrence of reactions

05-Jan-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Despite being a major food allergen, more than half of products containing sesame fail to identify the allergen on the label, leading to a higher likelihood of allergic reactions, argue the authors of a recent study.

Fairtrade America: Brands must 'make good' on sustainability and human rights claims

21-Dec-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Heading into 2022, consumers are demanding that brands prioritize sustainability, workers' rights, and other human advocacy causes, according to independent third-party certification organization Fairtrade America in its biennial Consumer Insights...

FDA to approve acacia as dietary fiber opening the door for new product development

20-Dec-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The FDA said it "intends to propose" that Acacia (Gum Arabic), also known as gum acacia, be added to its approved list of dietary fibers after determining that the scientific evidence available supports that gum acacia can help reduce blood...

‘There is still a lot of unresponsiveness or vague statements…’ Supply chain woes add to compliance challenge with bioengineered food disclosure standard

09-Dec-2021 By Elaine Watson

With the Jan. 1, 2022 deadline for compliance with the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard (NBFDS) fast approaching, many companies are still struggling with compliance, even at this incredibly late stage, say industry sources.

Majority of animal protein companies 'too slow to act' on pressing sustainability risks, reports FAIRR

03-Dec-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Animal protein producers are making some strides in managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, but the vast majority are still falling short on fundamental practices including measuring methane gas emissions, according to the Coller FAIRR...

Study: Common food additive found to disturb beneficial bacteria in the gut

01-Dec-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Carboxymethylcellulose, a widely-used emulsifying and thickening food additive ingredient, can alter the intestinal environment of gut microbiome, disturbing levels of beneficial bacteria, suggests new clinical research.

FoodBytes! Pitch final 15 focus on scalable, environmentally-friendly solutions to increase nutrition

26-Oct-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

With an eye towards identifying technologies and innovations that “exemplify the new food economy” by offering scalable solutions that increase nutrition with minimal environmental impact, FoodBytes! by Rabobank has winnowed down from 45 global startups...

FDA tackles rising childhood obesity by 'helping industry improve the underlying healthfulness of the food supply'

07-Oct-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

As part of a broad effort to reverse an alarming and profound increase in childhood obesity in the US during the pandemic, FDA is seeking to improve children’s diets, and is also taking steps to limit exposure to toxic elements in baby food and reduce...

Beech-Nut, Gerber hit back as 2nd Congressional report accuses more baby food brands of 'a lax approach' over heavy metals and 'knowingly harming babies'

30-Sep-2021 By Elaine Watson

Seven months after releasing a report alleging “dangerous” levels of heavy metals in top baby food brands, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi's subcommittee on economic and consumer policy has released a follow-up report alleging that the industry “consistently...

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: Killer Creamery finds sweet-spot in sugar-free ice cream, frozen novelties

27-Sep-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Not many companies would be satisfied with or even strive to produce a food or beverage that tastes ‘normal,’ but the founder of the better-for-you frozen dessert company Killer Creamery couldn’t be happier that the taste of brand’s new ice cream sandwich...

FOOD FOR KIDS: Fast food consumption increases among 20% of families surveyed, report finds

21-Sep-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

While many parents say that their family has eaten more healthily since the start of the pandemic, one in five parents reports relying more heavily on fast food as a quick fix family meal option, according to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott...

Walmart boosts supply chain workforce with plans to hire 20,000 new employees

01-Sep-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

To keep up with its robust year-over-year growth and prevent disruptions to its supply chain network, Walmart has announced that it will be hiring 20,000 new supply chain associates to work across its distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation...

PFAS chemicals detected in small number of common food items, but ‘results do not suggest that there is any need to avoid particular foods,’ says FDA

27-Aug-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

An FDA survey investigating the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a class of human-made chemicals – in nationally distributed processed foods found that of the 167 food samples tested, three had detectable levels of the chemicals....

‘SARS-CoV-2 is not a direct food safety concern… Neither food nor food packaging is a 'pathway for the spread of COVID-19,' says FAO

11-Aug-2021 By Elaine Watson

“Current data indicates that neither food nor food packaging is a pathway for the spread of viruses causing respiratory illnesses, including SARS-CoV-2,” according to a new guidance document from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization...

Protera prepares to bring diverse, clean-label and sustainable proteins to market with $10m series A fundraise

30-Jul-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Santiago, Chile and Paris-based AI-driven startup Protera is one step closer to commercializing a portfolio of clean-label proteins that can replace chemical preservatives to extend food shelf-life, safely turn unsaturated fats into saturated fats, enhance...

Category Building: Target highlights early allergen introduction in special set with SpoonfulONE

28-Jul-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

The nascent allergen introduction category is gaining credibility, visibility and reach with retailer Target creating in select stores a dedicated section of products that help caregivers conveniently and safely follow clinical guidelines to introduce...

Instacart brings on new CEO, who 'will simply be a better CEO than me for Instacart’s coming years,' says founder

12-Jul-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Instacart has appointed one of its current board members and former Facebook exec, Fidji Simo, as CEO of the online grocery shopping platform, effective August 2, replacing current CEO and founder Apoorva Mehta who will be transitioning to the role of...

Peapod founders launch online shopping tool Sifter: 'We are a dietitian in your pocket'

06-Jul-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Online personalized shopping platform, Sifter, is hoping to make label reading a thing of the past with a tool that instantly tells consumers which products fit their dietary needs and lifestyle.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: What do consumers consider ‘healthy’ and how does that stack up to the truth?

14-Jun-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

While the pandemic shined a light on the role of diet and nutrition in health and wellness, it also revealed that most consumers don’t have a firm – or even loose – idea of what constitutes healthy – underscoring a need for more research and better education...

Campbell Soup Co: “The name of the game for ’22 is going to be remain pretty agile and nimble”

11-Jun-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

Campbell Soup Co. executives were braced for a tough third quarter as vaccinated consumers began eating at home less just as the company cycled past the peak pantry stocking phase of the pandemic from a year ago, but even they appeared surprised by how...

FDA considers ‘last mile’ food safety concerns as consumers adopt e-commerce, delivery

08-Jun-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

The FDA is looking at how shifting shopping habits during the pandemic, including the rapid adoption of e-commerce to buy groceries and prepared food, may have “reinforced and accelerated” the need for new measures to ensure products are safe through...

Mars discusses the future of food safety: ‘We have a responsibility to help solve critical global food safety challenges’

07-Jun-2021 By Katy Askew

Food safety is a business-critical issue. People worry about food safety and security as much as global warming, pollution and poverty, research from confectionery giant Mars reveals. FoodNavigator hears from Dr Guangtao Zhang, director of the Mars Global...

New Kerry research shows consumers more focused on food safety

07-Jun-2021 By Jim Cornall

More than 60% of consumers have increased their focus on food safety following the Covid-19 pandemic, according to recent research conducted by Kerry.

Yumi backs Baby Food Safety Act: Heavy metals targets are challenging but feasible, says COO

04-Jun-2021 By Elaine Watson

The thresholds for heavy metals proposed in the Baby Food Safety Act - introduced in the wake of the recent Congressional Subcommittee report alleging ‘dangerous’ levels of lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic in baby foods – are challenging but feasible,...

Publix joins growing list of retailers allowing fully-vaccinated shoppers to go mask-free

17-May-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

After more than a year of requiring shoppers to wear masks and stepping up in-store safety measure, Southeastern US retailer Publix along with several other retailers said it will no longer require fully-vaccinated customers to wear face coverings, unless...

BrightFarms opens fifth indoor leafy green facility in North Carolina

06-May-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

BrightFarms has opened its latest indoor farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina, capable of producing 2 million pounds of lettuce per year in the Southeast US region which currently has limited options for indoor-grown leafy greens on store shelves, says...

Impossible Foods applauds 9th Circuit ruling over safety of its heme, slams ‘anti-science, anti-GMO activist group’ for ‘spreading lies’

04-May-2021 By Elaine Watson

Impossible Foods has applauded a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the FDA’s approval of soy leghemoglobin (aka 'heme') - the star ingredient in its plant-based burgers - as a color additive.

Heavy metals in baby food: New York AG demands info on inorganic arsenic from Gerber, Beech-Nut, Hain, Nurture Inc

30-Apr-2021 By Elaine Watson

New York Attorney General Letitia James has requested detailed information from four of the companies named in the recent Congressional report into heavy metals in baby food on their approach to monitoring inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal – the...

Heavy metals in baby food... 69 lawsuits and counting: 'Inconsistent rulings could result in manufacturers being held to different standards...'

28-Apr-2021 By Elaine Watson

At least 69 lawsuits have now been filed against firms named in the recent Congressional Subcommittee report on heavy metals in baby food, prompting a legal wrangle over how best to handle the cases.

CBD watchdog finds 25% of products don’t test for microbials, pesticides, or heavy metals

27-Apr-2021 By Danielle Masterson

A report from a watchdog group found found that just 42% of CBD brands tested all their products for potency. Additionally, the vast majority of products tested were outside the limits of acceptable variance.

Hungry Planet raises $25m to meet ‘pent up demand’ for plant-based meat beyond burgers, sausage

19-Apr-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

After finetuning a diverse range of plant-based meat and seafood that goes far beyond the burger- and sausage-heavy offerings of today, Hungry Planet is ready to ramp up production and distribution of all nine of its proteins across retail, foodservice...

FDA unveils ‘Closer to Zero’ action plan on heavy metals in baby food, cautions that requiring levels that are 'not currently feasible' could be counterproductive

09-Apr-2021 By Elaine Watson

Under pressure to act in the wake of the recent congressional report into heavy metals in baby food, the FDA has unveiled a new action plan - ‘Closer to Zero – setting forth its approach to reducing exposure to toxic elements in foods commonly eaten by...

PBFA slams ‘anti-competitive, anti-free market’ Wisconsin bills targeting plant-based dairy and meat

08-Apr-2021 By Elaine Watson

The Plant Based Foods Association has slammed bills proposing restrictions on the use of terms such as ‘milk’ and ‘meat’ on food labels and restaurant menus in Wisconsin, while state lawmakers insist they are urgently required to prevent consumer confusion....

Study highlights ‘troubling’ absence of animal welfare knowledge in aquaculture

05-Apr-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

With traditional fishing methods in decline, aquaculture – the industrial farming of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic species – is on the rise, but with little knowledge of the impact it’s had on animal welfare, says a team of researchers at New York...

Investing in the Future of Food: RCV Frontline sees potential for startups to fill innovation demand post-pandemic

31-Mar-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

A new early-stage venture capital fund sees significant upside for financing food and beverage startups that may be too small for many other VC investors, but which in a few years could help meet “pent up demand” for innovation from large CPG players...

Baby Food Safety Act proposes maximum levels for heavy metals in baby food, but are they feasible?

26-Mar-2021 By Elaine Watson

The Baby Food Safety Act – just introduced to Congress in the wake of a House Subcommittee report alleging ‘dangerous’ levels of heavy metals in baby foods - sets maximum levels for lead, mercury, cadmium, and inorganic arsenic that are well below internal...

Home baking continues in 2021 giving rise to comfort and wellness trends

22-Mar-2021 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The trend of home baking, which soared in popularity during the pandemic, is still going strong with sustained elevated sales expected through 2025, according to new market data.

Baby food companies now facing at least 43 lawsuits over heavy metals

15-Mar-2021 By Elaine Watson

Baby food companies named in a recent Congressional Subcommittee report are now facing at least 43 lawsuits about heavy metals in their wares, according to plaintiffs seeking to consolidate all of the cases in New York.