Food Safety

FDA budget request seeks increased oversight of food ingredients, including GRAS compliance, dietary supplement information, warnings of shortages

08-Apr-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA is seeking additional authorities and funding in its fiscal 2025 budget request to enhance its oversight – and by extension safety enforcement – of new food ingredients, additives and contact materials as well as dietary supplements.

FDA adds chemicals targeted by state bans to its post-market safety review list

11-Mar-2024 By Elizabeth Crawford

While FDA may not be able to assess the safety of as many chemicals in the food supply as it or the public would like due to budget constraints, the agency last week pulled back the curtain slightly to reveal which chemicals it is reassessing, how they...

Alkemist Labs: Samples continue to test positive for pesticides above limits

20-Feb-2024 By Claudia Adrien

According to 2023 data from Alkemist Labs, an independent lab specializing in botanical screening, 47% of samples it tested contained inorganic bromide at pesticide levels above the USP <561> limits.

New research sheds light onto U.S. and European supplement regulation

12-Feb-2024 By Claudia Adrien

The issues that restrict the sale of supplement ingredients in the United States and the European Union surround similar battles between federal and state control, according to a new analysis published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements.

Supplement inspections 'crucial' following potential consumer safety concerns

10-Jan-2024 By Olivia Brown

A recent analysis of consumer attitudes towards food supplements finds that food safety knowledge (FSK) significantly affects the behavioural intentions (BIs) towards supplement consumption, suggesting that increased transparency and consumer information...

Industry demands closure to CBD regulation stalemate

09-Jan-2024 By Nikki Hancocks

The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) has published a report calling on the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Home Office to work together to end the regulatory stalemate threatening the sector.

New year, same problem: FDA issues tejocote root warning, finding the supplements adulterated with poisonous plant

04-Jan-2024 By Danielle Masterson

The supplements labeled as weight loss products appear to be mislabeled as testing revealed the tejocote root was substituted with a potentially deadly plant.

NutraCast: Are energy drinks under attack? FoodChain ID weighs in

15-Dec-2023 By Danielle Masterson

As caffeine content in energy drinks climbs to new heights, some countries and retailers are banning the products or imposing age restrictions. In the US and UK, there are no national regulations that ban the sale of highly-caffeinated energy drinks,...

California Food Safety Act “sets a dangerous precedent,” food policy experts say

24-Oct-2023 By Deniz Ataman

California’s Food Safety Act (AB 418) bans the inclusion of four food additives—propyl paraben, brominated vegetable oil, Red Dye No. 3 and potassium bromate—in food and beverages, a landmark state-wide law highlighting the potentially widening gap between...

‘Beyond reckless’: Online weight loss supplements found to contain toxic Yellow Oleander

15-Sep-2023 By Stephen Daniells

Medical and analytical experts are raising the alarm after analyzing weight loss supplements purchased online and labeled as tejocote root, and finding that almost all of them actually contained toxic yellow oleander.

Pressure mounts on FDA to regulate CBD

31-Jul-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Lawmakers and stakeholders assembled for a congressional hearing on July 27 to highlight how FDA’s refusal to regulate CBD is threatening consumer access to safe products.

Bipartisan house bills reintroduced to regulate CBD in food, dietary supplements

20-Mar-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Does the legislation have legs or is it just for optics? Stakeholders agree the bills are a step in a positive direction, but what impact they will have, if any, is yet to be seen.

Study links sweetener erythritol to increased risk of heart issues; industry group questions methodology

02-Mar-2023 By Lauren Nardella

Artificial sweeteners have gained in popularity as consumers seek out products without sugar, but a new study suggests a potential link between keto-friendly sweetener erythritol and an elevated risk of heart attack or stroke.

FDA’s update for new Human Foods Program falls short of industry expectations

01-Mar-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Even as FDA kicks off a search for a deputy commissioner for its proposed Human Foods Program who it says will have a “clear line of authority over” all human food safety and nutrition programs, industry stakeholders worry agency is choosing a “business...

Proposed suit alleges Amazon selling “illegal drugs masquerading as therapeutic dietary supplements”

07-Feb-2023 By Danielle Masterson

Big name brands, “illegal drugs” and a formidable opponent to the supplement industry: it has all the underpinnings of a dramatic suit— but does it hold water?

FDA heeds call for unified Human Foods Program under one leader as part of ‘transformative vision’ for food safety, nutrition oversight

31-Jan-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA this morning unveiled a “transformative vision” for a unified Human Foods Program that will bring together under one empowered deputy commissioner nearly all of its major food components that currently are scattered across multiple divisions to better...

SPECIAL REPORT: FDA doubles down on titanium dioxide safety as CSPI raises concerns; Skittles lawsuits dismissed

12-Dec-2022 By Elaine Watson

While the European Commission recently banned the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in foods in the EU, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has just warned consumers to avoid it, the FDA tells us it has reviewed the scientific opinion...

Reagan-Udall report calls for sweeping changes in FDA’s food program, leadership structure

07-Dec-2022 By Elizabeth Crawford

Industry leaders are lauding proposed changes to FDA’s food program outlined in a highly-anticipated external review by the Reagan-Udall Foundation published yesterday that includes calls for a “single clearly identified” leader with direct lines of authority...

CRN says FDA supplements resource goes too heavy on risk, too light on benefits

26-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

FDA’s new consumer facing information resource on dietary supplements places far too much emphasis on potential risks, the Council for Responsible Nutrition has commented.

Natural Grocers to raise funds to support pesticide-free parks

01-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

Natural Grocers is putting its money where its mouth is by sponsoring a fundraiser to support the spread of public parks that are free of synthetic pesticides.

Deeper dive into CAERS data shows how unlikely it is that white mulberry could have caused death

29-Aug-2022 By Hank Schultz

A further examination of adverse events reports further elucidates how unlikely it is that white mulberry could cause the kinds of problems that led to the tragic death of the wife of a prominent public official.

DeLauro/Durbin bill to set up new, food-only federal agency finds broad support from supplement industry

26-Jul-2022 By Hank Schultz

A new federal agency aimed solely at food safety would be created by a bill introduced recently by US Rep Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Sen Dick Durbin (D-IL).

FDA, FTC combine to tackle opiod claims in kratom warning letters

08-Jul-2022 By Hank Schultz

FDA and FTC have issued four joint warning letters to kratom companies centered on opioid claims. It’s a move that comes on the heels of FDA rejecting an NDI filing on the ingredient for the sixth time.

FDA reiterates that ‘FDA approved’ is a bogus phrase in most cases

11-May-2022 By Hank Schultz

The US Food and Drug Administration has issued a document reminding consumers that in only a few cases is ‘FDA approved’ a factual statement.

FSMA guidance on certifying inspectors in foreign markets impacts supplement industry, observer says

03-May-2022 By Hank Schultz

FDA has issued a draft guidance on how to accredit foreign certifying bodies. The document will help clarify a highly technical aspect of the Food Safety and Modernization Act and will remind dietary supplement firms that it’s high time to get their...

NutraWomen Wednesday: Pooja Nair, partner at Ervin Cohen & Jessup LLP

20-Apr-2022 By Danielle Masterson

Attorney Pooja Nair is a Harvard-educated business litigator who has an eagle eye on the food and beverage sector. She advises clients, including restaurant groups, food brands, and manufacturers on a comprehensive range of issues. She is also a noted...

Lawyer says guidelines for sale of CBD products are "nonsensical" and "discriminatory"

20-Apr-2022 By Liza Laws

Controversy has been sparked over Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines over the sale of CBD products which a lawyer says are "discriminatory".

FDA signals it won’t go after NAC, but legal issues remain unresolved

01-Apr-2022 By Hank Schultz

According to an FDA communique issued yesterday marketers of NAC products mostly likely can continue to business as they have without receiving warning letters or having products seized. But observers say the legal issues raised by the affair are far...

FDA’s final voluntary recall guidance provides easy to follow road map, experts say

04-Mar-2022 By Hank Schultz

The US Food and Drug Administration has finalized a guidance on issuing recalls that first issued in draft form in 2019. The document’s plain language should help ensure compliance, experts contacted by NutraIngredients-USA agree.

Warning letter over Listeria contamination reiterates need for supplement firms to be up to speed on FSVP, expert says

02-Mar-2022 By Hank Schultz

FDA warning letter activity continues to show a steady stream of citations relating to FSVP failures. The latest was addressed to a mushroom importer located in California.

Food safety overhaul: China announces revamp of national standards for processed and nutritional foods

03-Nov-2020 By Pearly Neo

China is planning to revise safety standards governing multiple processed foods and nutritional ingredients in its latest initiative to battle food contamination and adulteration in the country.

FDA unveils 10-year FSMA implementation plan

14-Jul-2020 By Hank Schultz

The US Food and Drug Administration yesterday launched a website portal it calls a ‘blueprint’ for the full implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. The document lays out a plan for actions over the next decade.

Early data on FDA portal suggests FSMA is boosting safety

10-Oct-2019 By Hank Schultz

Early data on the Food Safety Modernization Act suggests the new law is working as compliance is improving and recalls have hit a five year low. A newly launched web portal will help track that data.

Industry pushes for 100% adoption of standard food date labeling by January 2020

25-Jun-2019 By Mary Ellen Shoup

By the end of 2019, 98% of food and beverage products will have adopted a standardized version of date labeling – ‘Best If Used By' – with complete adoption anticipated by January 2020, predict the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the...

Contract manufacturer Vitaquest International gets certified for food safety standards

07-Jun-2019 By Adi Menayang

New Jersey-based contract manufacturer Vitaquest International received food safety standards certification by global certifying body DNV GL Business Assurance.

Notes from the Dietary Supplements Regulatory Summit

FDA’s Yiannas: ‘At the end of the day you’re not selling products, you’re selling trust’

15-May-2019 By Adi Menayang

What do housing crises and dietary supplement recalls have in common? They cause a big bust to consumer trust, said Frank Yiannas, deputy commissioner for food policy and response at the Food and Drug Administration.

FDA Acting Commissioner Sharpless promises ‘there will be no pause at FDA’ following Gottlieb’s departure

07-May-2019 By Elizabeth Crawford

FDA’s new Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Norman Sharpless, promised last week that he will pick up where outgoing Commissioner Scott Gottlieb left off in strengthening nutrition policy and regulation to improve the public’s health and implementing...

Manufacturer BI advocates for ‘kill step’ validation in industry, especially for botanicals

27-Oct-2017 By Adi Menayang

Addressing persistent illness and deaths caused by foodborne diseases, California-based nutraceutical ingredients maker BI issued a statement urging the industry to demand for product-specific kill step validation procedures.

Soup-To-Nuts Podcast: FDA & FTC move forward with enforcement even with some regulations in limbo

02-Jun-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

New regulations and draft guidances may be on hold at many federal agencies until the Trump administration can find its footing, but enforcement by FDA, FTC and USDA is not – and neither is litigation related to how food and beverages are made and marketed...

GAO argues again that the US should unite the 19 agencies that oversee food safety under one system

21-Feb-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

Citing an uptick in multi-state foodborne illness outbreaks and their high cost to consumers and manufacturers alike, the Government Accountability Office reiterates its 40-year argument for a single, unified food safety system – this time under the Executive...

Consumer food safety education must be reinforced to ‘reap the rewards’ of FSMA, FDA official says

31-Jan-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

As the deadlines for regulations painstakingly developed under the Food Safety Modernization Act begin to go into effect, compliance by producers, suppliers and manufacturers alone will not be enough to stop food borne illness outbreaks, a top FDA official...

BI Nutraceuticals’ Reno facility gets safe quality food certificate

16-Mar-2016

NSF International has given BI Nutraceuticals' West Coast manufacturing facility located in McCarran, NV its SQF 2000 (Safe Quality Food) certificate.

FDA denies GMO labeling petition: What matters is the characteristics of the food itself, not the process by which it was made

23-Nov-2015 By Elaine Watson

The FDA has rejected a citizen’s petition calling for mandatory labeling of foods from genetically engineered crops, arguing that labels are not warranted unless there is a material difference in the safety or nutritional profile of the foods in question.

Border block: Germany stops product with debated aegeline ingredient

02-Mar-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The German authorities have blocked a shipment of products containing the unauthorised novel food ingredient aegeline and American firm USP Labs is making inquiries into whether this relates to its recalled OxyElite product. 

Denmark widens warning on weight loss herbal linked to brain haemorrhage

30-Oct-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The Danish food safety authority has issued a second warning on the illegal herbal weight loss ingredient Acacia rigidula – which contains substances implicated in a brain haemorrhage case in Sweden.

China's proposed food safety overhaul lacks clarity and detail, NPA says

06-Aug-2014 By Hank Schultz

China’s proposed changes in its food safety regulations, which also govern dietary supplements, are long on aspiration and short on specifics. That’s the opinion expressed by the Natural Products Association in comments the organization submitted to Chinese...

Focused mitigation strategies under FSMA costlier, but not safer, AHPA asserts

14-Jul-2014 By Hank Schultz

As part of its ongoing effort to influence the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, the American Herbal Products Association has submitted 30 pages of comments on the way FSMA calls for mitigation strategies aimed at preventing intentional...

Israel firm ups astaxanthin concentration

08-Apr-2014 By Shane Starling

Southern Isreal supplier, Algatechnologies, has launched a 20% astaxanthin oleoresin targeting food supplements, foods and beverages and cosmeceuticals.

Conflicts of interest are ‘ubiquitous’ in GRAS determinations, alleges study

07-Aug-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Conflicts of interest are “ubiquitous” in GRAS [Generally Recognized As Safe] determinations, while there are major flaws in a system that allows firms to affirm the safety of food ingredients without the approval - or even the knowledge - of regulators,...

Risk, rewards seen in new food importation scheme created by FSMA draft rules

02-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

New rules from FDA to implement the Food Safety Modernization Act will place significant new burdens on industry, observers say.  But the new food importation regime that will result could provide new business opportunities, too.