Significant statutory and regulatory changes may be on the horizon in the world of food labeling as regulators and lawmakers introduce rules that can potentially impact the food industry and its overall compliance obligations.
For example, FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb confirmed the agency plans to continue the Obama-era push to modernize food label claims, including suggesting the creation of a definition for the term "healthy" with a corresponding labeling symbol. Additionally, FDA's Nutrition Innovation Strategy proposal suggests that the agency intends to press ahead with new food label requirements and mandatory declarations. We also see Congress stepping in and introducing laws related to menu and internet labeling requirements for certain food industries.
However, what is the likelihood of FDA following through with these initiatives? At this time, we still see no definition for the term "natural" and companies continue to see increased risk by using certain undefined label claims on product labels - especially for those that continue to embrace the "clean label" movement. As consumers continue to prefer natural products in increasing numbers and the plaintiffs' bar target certain label claims, it is unlikely we will see action in this space diminish any time soon from public and private actors alike.
At this seminar,
Ryan Fournier, an Associate at Morgan Lewis in Washington DC, will give his insights
into the major label changes that occurred in 2018 and that are on the horizon for the coming year:
* FDA's Nutrition Innovation Strategy proposal to modernize label claims
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FDA's plans for claims like "natural" & "healthy," including proposed rules
* General overview of "clean label" principles and FDA's view
* Menu Labeling Requirements
* Changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel
* Congressional action related to menu and internet labeling
* Predictions on FDA's action for these topics in the coming year
This seminar will also address other developing regulatory issues such as USDA's upcoming Bioengineered Food Labeling law, changing Food Standards (plant-based dairy & cell-cultured meat), Prop 65 developments, and recent class action lawsuits amongst other pivotal labeling trends.
This year, the food industry is being challenged to adjust to multiple compliance initiatives at once, which are upending over two decades of labeling strategy. Consequently, Prime Label has created these Food Label Seminars which serve as a mid-year update to its annual Food Label Conference (FLC). Structured as two one day seminars, conveniently located near Chicago's O'Hare airport, the seminars will mirror the FLC's popular blend of trending topics and practical insights.
