All articles tagged with #food labeling
Advocates are pushing to classify alpha-gal syndrome — a meat- and dairy-allergy triggered by lone star tick bites — as the 10th major food allergen, a move they say would improve labeling and protections. The effort includes outreach to lawmakers, like Rep. Jake Auchincloss, and personal stories such as Erica Pernell’s about needing to check medications and foods for animal-derived ingredients.
A special issue of the American Journal of Public Health urges policymakers to act on ultra-processed foods, showing cross‑partisan support for safety testing, warning labels, and reducing sugar and salt, while arguing that education alone won’t curb consumption. The pieces discuss defining ultra-processed foods (favoring the Nova system), industry tactics, and strategies like litigation and subsidies to make fruits and vegetables more affordable, plus reallocating subsidies and regulatory tools to counter a powerful food system.
A May 2026 Healthy Eating Research blueprint defines ultra-processed foods by ingredient lists—flagging products with additives not used in home cooking—and reports that over half of American adults’ calories come from UPFs (even more for kids). The panel ranks Tier 1 policies such as targeted taxes on UPFs, school/childcare procurement restrictions, countermarketing, and mandatory front-of-pack labeling, with a focus on equity and alignment with FDA/USDA efforts. UNC data cited show 71% of baby/toddler foods in North Carolina are UPFs, and 72% of U.S. packaged foods analyzed meet the UPF definition. The research links UPF consumption to higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and early death, while noting potential processing-related effects on digestion and cravings.
A California bill would create the nation’s first 'California Certified' seal for non-ultraprocessed foods, with certification starting by 2028 and mandatory display in stores; the measure fits a bipartisan push to curb ultraprocessed foods and follows related state actions on school lunches and dye bans, drawing both public support and industry pushback.
FDA relaxes certain rules on how foods can claim 'no artificial colors,' outlining when such statements can be used and how they must be substantiated, potentially shifting labeling practices and consumer expectations.
The latest U.S. dietary guidelines raise the recommended daily protein intake by 50% to 100% above prior levels, but most Americans already meet these needs. Experts emphasize choosing high-quality protein sources and maintaining a balanced diet with carbohydrates and fats, while recognizing individual needs based on weight, activity, and health. Food brands are increasingly marketing protein-forward products, which can mislead; consumers should watch for added sugars and additives. Excess protein isn’t risky for healthy people, but could be problematic for kidney or liver disease and may crowd out other nutrients.
Starting in 2026, California will implement numerous new laws affecting various sectors including environmental regulations like a plastic bag ban, consumer protections for food delivery, changes in streaming ad volume, and regulations on artificial intelligence transparency, among others.
Starting in 2026, California will implement numerous new laws affecting various sectors including environmental policies like a plastic bag ban, consumer protections for food delivery, streaming ad volume regulations, and new rules for AI transparency, healthcare, pets, and housing, among others.
Starting in 2026, California will implement numerous new laws affecting various sectors including environmental policies like a plastic bag ban, consumer protections for food delivery, streaming ad volume regulations, and regulations on artificial intelligence transparency, among others, impacting residents, businesses, and technology use.
The article critiques the use of the term 'ultraprocessed foods' (UPF) as a metric for health, arguing that it oversimplifies complex food issues, can be gamed by industry, and may mislead consumers about what constitutes unhealthy food. It emphasizes that focusing on ingredients and contents is more meaningful than broad labels like UPF, and highlights the challenges consumers face in navigating food quality and labeling, especially in the US.
The European Parliament voted to ban the use of traditional meat-related terms like 'burger' and 'steak' for plant-based foods, aiming to prevent consumer confusion, though the full implementation depends on approval from the European Commission and member states. The move has received mixed reactions, with livestock and meat industries supporting it, while environmentalists and parts of the food industry criticize it as unnecessary and potentially misleading for consumers.
Research shows that people's beliefs and perceptions about food influence overeating as much as the food's actual nutrients, and classifying foods as ultra-processed adds little predictive value for overeating behavior. The study suggests focusing on food literacy and understanding psychological factors behind eating habits rather than blanket warnings on ultra-processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods, which are significantly altered from their original state and contain little whole food, make up over 50% of calories consumed by Americans and are linked to increased risks of weight gain, chronic diseases, and early death. Experts recommend reading ingredient lists and reducing intake by cooking more at home and advocating for clearer definitions and regulations around these foods.
While high-protein snacks are popular and marketed heavily, not all are genuinely high in protein or healthy. It's important to evaluate the actual protein content and overall nutritional value, considering factors like added sugars and processing. A simple calculation can help determine the true protein contribution, and whole foods like Greek yogurt, nuts, and vegetables are often better sources of protein than processed snacks with misleading labels.
The article discusses concerns over the high consumption of ultra-processed foods and artificial additives in the US, highlighting health risks, differences with European food standards, and the need for policy changes to promote healthier eating habits, especially around July Fourth celebrations.