FSIS Proposes Declaring Salmonella an Adulterant in Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products
FSIS has proposed declaring Salmonella an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products when present in very low levels.
Food Safety Consulting
FDA Releases Guidance on Plant-Based Milks
FDA released a Draft Guidance addressing naming of plant-based milk alternatives. The Guidance allows the continued use of "milk" and provides for the voluntary use of nutrition statements.
Department of Justice Now Following Updated Corporate Disclosure Policy
DOJ can partner with FDA and USDA to investigate corporate misconduct, including by food companies, which can result in criminal and criminal resolutions. DOJ released a policy explaining the agency's considerations when a company makes a voluntary self-disclosure of misconduct that is subject to investigation and possible prosecution by DOJ.
States Ban PFAS In Food Packaging
States have taken recent action to prohibit the use of PFAS in food packaging. Each state ban varies slightly in scope and effective date.
Food Companies Face PFAS Class Actions
Two class action lawsuits were recently filed. These class actions allege the presence of PFAS within juice products labeled as "all natural." The presence of PFAS makes the labels misleading.
Food Companies Beware: Heavy Metal Class Action Lawsuits May Be The Horizon
Dark chocolate products were targeted in two recent class actions focused on the presence of heavy metals without disclosure.
2022 Food Code Released
FDA released the 2022 Food Code, representing the first update to the agency's guidance for state and local authorities since the 2017 Food Code was published.
Complying with FDA's Training Requirements
FDA introduced training requirements into the Food Safety Modernization Act regulations.
FDA Updates Allergen Guidance
FDA recently announced a draft guidance updating the agency's allergen labeling guidance.
Tracking and Tracing the FDA Traceability Rule
FDA recently published the traceability Final Rule, which requires additional traceability programs and records for certain foods.
Remote Regulatory Assessments: What Are They and What to Expect
During the COVID-19 pandemic, FDA began utilizing remote techniques, including Remote Regulatory Assessments, as part of its regulatory oversight. FDA has indicated that the agency will continue to utilize RRAs when possible, even beyond the pandemic, as part of its move to modernize inspections.
What is Healthy – FDA’s Opinion
FDA's recent proposed rule is set to shift the requirements for "healthy" foods, and will modernize the regulatory framework for use of the claim.
Managing Coronavirus in the Food Industry
In response to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19, many of our food industry clients and colleagues have sought counsel on how to prepare for evolving operational and employee issues, how to most appropriately respond as those issues arise, and what they can expect moving forward. Although the emerging COVID-19 outbreak may cause significant disruption to many companies, we can minimize the potential impact by planning, preparing, and collaborating to prevent the spread of illness.
Legalization of Cannabis Offers Potential Opportunities to Food Industry
With more and more states legalizing cannabis, and FDA receiving increased pressure to weigh-in, more and more food companies are now exploring how cannabis could be utilized as an ingredient in a wide range of food products.
FIC Welcomes New Food Industry Lawyer
FIC is proud to introduce the newest member of its food industry consulting and legal team.