Huel ad banned by UK advertising body
The advert was seen as implying Huel could replace an entire human diet
Regulation & safety
Does Europe’s CBD market have a future?
A positive opinion from EFSA is the beginning of a regulatory shift, but it may not be enough
California signs voluntary non-UPF label into law
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB 2244 into law creates the first state-backed, voluntary label for non-UPF qualifying products, amid a pending federal UPF definition
Sweeteners and the microbiome: What do we know?
Sweeteners are under growing scrutiny as research explores their impact on the gut microbiome. What does the science currently tell us and should F&B be worried?
PPWR PFAS limits: How to keep ‘forever chemicals’ out of packaging
PFAS limits have been introduced in the EU’s flagship packaging regulation
India gives beverage giants 90 days to re-label energy drinks
India’s food authority gives beverage giants PepsiCo, Red Bull, and Monster until 29 September to remove “energy drink” label and alleged misleading claims
Could GLP-1 safety concerns affect uptake?
Reports of side-effects and deaths may complicate the success of the weight-loss drugs
GLP-1s could be linked to more than 150 deaths
Data on the drugs’ side-effects has highlighted potential risks
Energy drinks face growing global scrutiny over health concerns and youth consumption
Energy drinks and caffeine-based beverages are facing growing scrutiny worldwide, with regulators introducing tighter restrictions amid concerns over their health impacts and increasing consumption among younger people.
International guidance on ‘may contain’ allergen labelling introduced
The guidance aims for more scientific standards
Over 300 drinks companies sign open letter against Germany’s proposed sugar levy
Over 300 drinks companies in Germany have voiced their opposition to a planned sugar tax on soft drinks.
UK consumers drinking habits change as heatwave drives hydration trend
The heatwave ravaging western Europe has seen temperatures hit unprecedented highs in the UK, France and Spain
Federal court blocks food benefits ban on soda and candy
The decision in Aragon v. Rollins vacates USDA waivers in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee and West Virginia and sets up a likely appeal
British EUDR? UK government to introduce anti-deforestation rules
The proposal will affect imports from around the world, including coffee, cocoa, soy and palm oil
Top tips to avoid trade mark infringement at the 2026 World Cup
Even social media is a danger zone... avoid an own goal with advice from top IP firm, Withers & Rogers
EUDR: How does the simplification impact compliance?
The regulatory burden has been significantly reduced
Instant coffee now included in EUDR
And a ‘no-risk’ benchmarking category is off the table
Shanghai alcohol warning label trials in full swing across online and offline sales
Alcohol warning label trials move into full implementation in China’s most populous city Shanghai, with strict requirements for retailers across online and offline sales channels
Is coffee ready for the EUDR?
As the deadline for the regulation approaches, the commodity continues to grapple with barriers to compliance
Why instant coffee could be added to EUDR - and implications for industry
Insiders say instant coffee will be added to Europe’s deforestation regulation, impacting some of the biggest names in the business
Half of US shoppers worry about artificial ingredients, want EU-style bans
A new Acosta Group study finds growing demand for transparency and cleaner labels as consumers push for stricter rules on artificial ingredients
A new California bill could change how food ingredients get FDA green light
In the absence of swift federal action, California is proposing to ban food additives it deems unsafe or poorly tested
The rise of clean alcohol
Widespread demand for clean label is finally reaching the alcohol category
FDA eases ‘no artificial colors’ labeling rules, paves way for natural color adoption
FDA eases ‘no artificial colors’ claims, but ambiguity over ‘petroleum-based dyes’ leaves manufacturers cautious
Food companies further limit advertising to children across digital media
Coca-Cola, Campbell’s, General Mills and other CPG and fast-food companies expanded voluntary advertising restrictions across digital platforms after research found most children encounter unhealthy food branding on YouTube
Moderation in focus in new US drinking guidelines
Industry organizations promote responsible consumption, welcoming US drinking guideline shake-up
Sugar, stocks and scrutiny: Mondelez, Kraft and General Mills caught in Trump’s nutrition reset
The market reaction to Donald Trump’s dietary overhaul isn’t about kale versus cookies – it’s about whether Washington has finally decided the packaged food sector needs firmer rules, not friendlier guidance
US drinking guidelines revamped in dramatic shift
New US drinking recommendations now simply state that less alcohol is better
Nestlé infant formula recall escalates
Nestlé faces global scrutiny as infant formula recall widens over contamination fears
Vietnam to tighten dairy, alcohol rules to advance food safety goals
Vietnam plans to update dairy and alcohol regulations in line with ongoing national goals to improve local food safety compliance and public health
Federal hemp regulation could open up beverage innovation opportunities
The Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act (CSRA) would regulate – rather than ban – hemp derived beverages
Texas’ ingredient label law sparks a major food fight
A sweeping Texas bill that reshapes ingredient labels has triggered one of the biggest courtroom clashes yet between lawmakers and the food industry
Will the EU ban energy drink sales to children?
There’s growing pressure to ban energy drink sales to children: but is it that simple?
‘A mandate for innovation’: R&D is back at the top of the agenda with UK sugar tax shake up
The UK will extend its sugar tax to include more drinks, including milk-based products. Businesses have two options: take the financial hit - or get back into the lab and innovate
Soda taxes: Finding the sweet spot between health goals and business growth
Announcing an expanded sugar tax this week, the UK government acknowledges the delicate balance between public health goals and business innovation. How will the new rules affect the market? We crunch the numbers
High sugary drink intake still prevalent in Chinese schoolkids
Over 80% of China’s schoolchildren are still choosing sweet drinks, sparking calls for tougher control measures
UK expands sugar tax to include milk-based drinks and RTD coffee
Sugary milk-based drinks will be included in the UK’s Soft Drinks Industry Levy from 2028
Milk-based drinks added to UK sugar tax: Here’s what you need to know
The UK is expanding its Soft Drinks Industry Levy to milk-based drinks. Here are the new rules
Nestlé retains right to label Perrier ‘natural’ amid filtration scandal
A French court has rejected a case against Perrier’s owner Nestlé, who will now reclaim legal fees
Will soda taxes serve as the model for future UPF regulations?
The beverage industry has long argued that soda is singled out unfairly when it comes to soda taxes. But now there’s pressure to extend measures across ultra-processed foods
Non-alcoholic drinks can’t be called ‘gin’, says EU court
Gin must have an alcohol content of at least 37.5% ABV, according to an EU court: meaning producers cannot sell products described as ‘non-alcoholic gin’ or ‘alcohol-free gin’.
European Commission wants to delay EUDR, again
The Environment Commissioner hopes lawmakers will agree to postpone the deforestation regulation yet another year
UK teen energy drink ban: Is caffeine really the culprit?
The UK government will consult on banning high-caffeine energy drinks for under-16s in England over health concerns. However, a new study suggests energy drinks may only be indirectly linked to poor adolescent health, so what makes them risky?
England set to ban energy drink sales to U16s
The government is planning a new law that would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks to children
EUDR: 5 key traceability challenges for coffee
In a fragmented, complex sector, traceability remains a challenge
How could sugar tax shake-up reshape the UK beverage market?
The UK is considering extending its soda tax to more beverages, including milk-based drinks. How big an impact would this have?
‘Stop moving the goalposts!’ Small businesses dread sugar tax reformulation drama
The UK wants to increase the scope of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy: and small businesses are worried
Can a lower Brix standard help orange juice manufacturers?
FDA’s proposal to lower the required sugar content in not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice has been in development for several years, with some manufacturers and industry associations calling it a step forward in improving US citrus production
Will the UK finally change its definition of alcohol-free?
Third time lucky?