Regulatory

With a goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity in the U.S. by 2030 so that fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, the Biden-Harris Administration has announced a September conference on hunger, nutrition and health. The following five pillars have been established as the focus of the conference:

The current food and nutrition regulatory landscape can be challenging to navigate, especially in regards to knowing what labeling is required and what claims are allowed on certain foods and beverages. Join Food Directions LLC to discuss the challenges and opportunities when it comes to labeling and claims for emerging trends like plant-based products, cell-based agriculture, sustainability/carbon footprint labeling, and cannabidiol (CBD).

Regenerative agriculture is a hot topic in professional circles. Read on to learn five things you need to know about it.

With heightened interest in immune health and all the testing options now available to understand vitamin blood levels or the microbiome, supplements are more and more a part of retail dietitians’ engagement with shoppers. Here are five things you need to know about the regulation of dietary supplements.

While the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a daily sodium intake of no more than 2,300 mg for individuals aged 14 and older, this is significantly lower than the average current intake of 3,400 mg. To try and move the consumer towards healthier sodium intake levels, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new guidelines for sodium last month. Here’s what retail dietitians need to know about the new guidelines.

There has been an increase in the number of retail dietitians who have added client consultations to their portfolio of services in the past few years and in some instances, the topic of supplement use and recommendations will arise. When answering questions and providing advice regarding supplements it’ important to keep in mind licensing provisions in your specific state or country.

Thirty percent of consumers indicate that environmental sustainability is more important in their food purchase decisions than it was ten years ago, according to the 2020 IFIC Food and Health Survey. More than 40 percent indicate knowing a manufacturer is committed to producing a food in an environmentally sustainable way impacts buying habits. Based on this consumer interest, carbon labeling is emerging as a method for food companies to provide information on sustainability.

The FDA plans to publish a proposed definition of healthy this year along with conducting consumer research to gain insights. Though details are not known at this time, FDA has stated in the past that they want to promote foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables and higher intakes of nutrients such as fiber and potassium and lower levels of sugar, salt and saturated fat. So why is defining healthy of importance to the retail dietitian? Simply put, the definition will set the stage for government’s approach to Front-of-Pack (FOP) labeling and influence retail programs moving forward. Additionally, a definition that is vague or not based on sound science may also create confusion in the marketplace for consumers and health professionals alike. Join our ‘healthy’ discussion moderated by Sarah Ludmer, Senior Director of Kellogg North America Wellbeing and Regulatory with panel experts Beth Johnson, MS, RD, principle, CEO and founder of Food Directions and Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN, Director of Health & Well-being, FMI, as they explore this intriguing topic.