Tentative Agenda*

Add-On Training
Sunday May 20

Main Conference Day 1*
Monday May 21

Main Conference Day 2*
Tuesday May 22

Add-On Training
Wednesday May 23

* tentative agenda
**optional add-on seminar; additional fees apply

Breakout Sessions*

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Allergen Labeling

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA 
Allergens are the biggest source of recalls in the United States. Learn the different requirements of the FDA and USDA for labeling allergens - when they need to be declared and when they don’t, including the subtleties of "Contains" Statements and Advisory Statements. Learn about the impact allergen marketing claims have on consumers.

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Best Practices for Marketing - Regulatory Collaboration

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, Expert 
Turn conflict into creative compliance and position products in the best light. This session is intended to explore best practices for marketing and regulatory teams to fulfill a shared goal – to ensure that products are in compliance while keeping them competitive in the marketplace.

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Canadian Labeling

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, Expert 
Understand new Canadian nutrition and ingredient labeling regulations and learn how they differ from labeling in the US, including the new Nutrition Facts Table format, ingredient list changes, and allergen declarations. Discuss the subtleties of formulating products for Canada and some of the special issues that apply. Understand what resources are available to you to ensure your Canadian labels are compliant.

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Clean Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Discover legal implications of clean labeling. This session will address risks involving the use of various “clean label” terms from both a regulatory and litigation perspective. The presentation will also provide a checklist of industry best practices to mitigate these risks.

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Data Collection and Record Keeping for the New NFP

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
The impact of nutrition label reform has begun to reverberate through the food industry and new data needs are putting a strain on progress across the supply chain. This session will highlight the data-driven dependencies and best practices for record keeping and collecting nutrition information to facilitate an effective transition to the new NFP.

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EZ Form Software

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Discover how this powerful software can streamline your labeling process by providing required forms, labels and Nutrition Facts Panels, updated for the new rule. Learn how EZ Form's smart checks and record keeping can save you time and increase your compliance. Get access to EZ Form's programmer to answer your advanced questions, and learn tips and tricks for optimizing this powerful label compliance tool.

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FDA Labeling Q&A

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, Expert 
Find out the answers to those nagging questions about your FDA labels. From product naming to claims and allergens, bring your specific questions to be answered by a PLC Consultant.

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FDA Market Trends

Tracks: Marketing, FDA
Take a peek at the latest FDA labeling trends arriving on shelves. Distinguish those that are “bleeding edge” from those that are “leading edge,” and understand the subtleties of compliance and enforcement of FDA regulations.

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FDA Product Naming, Ingredient & Flavor Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA 
Explore FDA regulations on product naming and ingredients labeling. Find out the difference between common, usual, descriptive, standard and fanciful names and what conventions are required for each. Discover the intricacies of declaring ingredients, including choosing a composite ingredient listing. Dive into the complex details of flavor labeling.

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Food Service & Sample Product Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
What are the differences between Food Service and retail? If your company sends samples to customers or trade shows - what are the labeling requirements? Dive into the different rules for exterior and interior product labeling, best practices for claims and the labeling of experimental products.

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FTC: Advertising & Claims

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Learn about the FTC rules on advertising and how they apply to your food package artwork and claims. Find out what the FTC's enforcement priorities are and learn the subtleties of online marketing and social media.

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GMO Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
GMO labeling is one of the fastest progressing and most controversial trends in labeling. Explore the latest developments in this area, discuss current status of the mandatory GMO disclosure law and how the different regulatory jurisdictions of the FDA and USDA impact GMO labeling.

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Graphics Impact of the New NFP

Tracks: Marketing, Nutrition
While the iconic look of the nutrition facts label remains, designers and production artists may need to navigate tricky territory when it comes to implementing the new rules. From type size to dual columns, this session will cover the impact the regulations have on graphic elements of the new NFP and how to troubleshoot when issues arise during label development.

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 Natural Labeling Complexities

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Understand the ins and outs of Natural labeling. Explore the differences between FDA and USDA definitions of “Natural”. Discuss the impact on retail, restaurants and customer perception, and explore the pros and cons of this contentious claim.

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Navigating the New NFPs - Changed Serving Size, Dual Columns & More

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Beyond updates to the information within the nutrition facts panel, serving sizes and dual column labeling rules prompt an interdependent web of compliance requirements. This case study driven session will illustrate how nutrition takes center stage (for better or for worse) when implementing the new rules and opportunities to mitigate negative impact.

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New NFP Added Sugar Rules & Strategies

Tracks: Nutrition, Expert 
The definition of Added Sugar has been vastly debated since the publication of FDA’s final rule for nutrition labeling. Since then, the agency has released additional guidance to facilitate implementation of the rules. This session will use case studies to explain the FDA’s definition of added sugars, propose best practices for troubleshooting data collection and highlight strategies for optimizing nutrition facts panel sugar declarations.

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New NFP Dietary Fiber Rules & Strategies

Tracks: Nutrition, Expert
The definition of Dietary Fiber resulted in a limited list of approved ingredients to meet the FDA’s new rules for nutrition labeling. While more fibers may be added to the definition, manufacturers have been forced to consider the impact on their product formulas, compliance timelines and marketing claims. This session will use case studies to illustrate the impact of the dietary fiber definition, propose best practices for troubleshooting data collection and summarize decisive factors driving product reformulations.

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Nutrient Claims & the New Nutrition Facts

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing 
Understand the FDA and USDA requirements for this well-defined set of claims and how the new NFP rule will impact them. Dive into expressed versus implied claims, such as Lean, Low Fat, Sodium, and Omega claims, amongst others. Explore relative claims and Front of Package nutrient claims and the subtleties of their different requirements.

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Nutrient Data and the New NFP: Lab vs. Calculation

Tracks: Nutrition, Expert
Explore the integrity of the Nutrition Panel by understanding the differences between calculated and analytical methods of producing nutrient data. Discuss the various sources of nutrient data, different classes of ingredients, and issues of nutrient variability. Understand how the new NFP rule will impact lab analysis and your record-keeping systems.

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Online Labeling, Marketing and the Digital Shelf

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Considering integration of printed and online label information for greater transparency and customer engagement?  Review the latest updates from the SmartLabel Transparency Initiative with food and beverage industry trends, best practices and innovations for connecting online.

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Organic Claims

Tracks: Marketing, FDA , USDA, Expert 
Explore the intricacies of Organic, Certified, and Verified claims, including the certification process, documentation, types of claims and the subtleties of this labeling.

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Overview of Child Nutrition (School Lunch) Labeling 

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA , USDA, Expert 
Moderator(s): Staff of USDA-AMS CN group  
Discover the ins and outs of Child Nutrition labeling from the administrators themselves. Explore how CN labeling works and its advantages. Learn about the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) quality control program and the CN label application process. Find out where to obtain information and discuss some frequently asked questions.

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Private Label Supplier Meetings

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Marketing, Expert 
Come meet the Private Label teams of major brands and learn critical information about doing business with them. Topics covered may include (but are not limited to) NLR rollout expectations, labeling best practices, regulatory preferences and IT tips and tricks for submitting products. Currently Sysco is holding a Supplier Meeting on May 21 at 3:10 pm (for their current suppliers only).

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Recalls, Warning Letters & Enforcement Actions

Tracks: FDA, Expert 
FDA has multiple initiatives for monitoring manufacturer compliance and communicating violations of FDA regulations. Learn more about key tools available for compliance including blockchain technology, trends in enforcement, best practices for preparing for and responding to recalls and the impact of recalls on brand integrity.

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Small Plant Compliance Management

Tracks: FDA, USDA
Compliance staff at small plants need to wear many hats and have limited resources. Discuss best practices for efficient and effective compliance and learn special requirements for a small business (including nutrition labeling exemption for foods).

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State & Local Labeling Laws

Tracks: Expert 
While food and beverages sold in the US are subject to federal regulations, state and local agencies can also enforce rules that apply to the same goods. Learn about the complexities of state and local regulations and key strategies to streamline interstate commerce.

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USDA Animal Production & Grading Claims

Tracks: USDA, Marketing 
Discuss the complexity of Animal Production and Breed Raising claims such as Cage-Free Poultry, Free-Range, No Added Hormones or Antibiotics, Humanely Raised, Certified Angus and others. Find out the latest in USDA grading claims.

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USDA Export Labeling

Tracks: USDA, Expert 
Discover the latest in USDA export requirements, including the intricacies of labeling, customs documentation, online resources and systems, and other important factors.

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USDA Generic Labeling Update

Tracks: USDA 
Find out the latest enforcement priorities, requirements and best practices for the expanded generic rule. Explore generic eligibility and compliance, and discuss enforcement subtleties with FSIS.  Understand what you need to do to keep thorough records and discuss strategies to reduce risk.

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USDA Labeling Q&A

Tracks: Nutrition, USDA, Expert
Explore the ins and outs of USDA labeling - such as product names and qualifiers; undefined RACC and nutrient claims; negative, uncured, organic and natural claims. Bring your specific questions on the subtleties of labeling to our industry and PLC experts.

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USDA Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS)

Tracks: USDA 
Learn how to use the USDA's remote label approval tool. See a demo, ask clarifying questions and share strategies with the group.

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USDA Market Trends

Tracks: Marketing, USDA 
Discover the latest innovations in USDA labeling. From animal welfare claims to genetically engineered ingredients, you will delve into the subtleties of new trends and how to manage the dialog with USDA-FSIS regulators.

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USDA Product Naming, Ingredient & Flavor Labeling

Tracks: USDA, Marketing 
Explore USDA regulations on product naming & ingredients labeling. Find out the difference between common, usual, descriptive, standard & fanciful names and what conventions are required for each.  Learn about the components of identity statements including many types of qualifiers. Discover the intricacies of declaring ingredients, including choosing a composite ingredient listing and labeling flavors and spices.

Invited Speakers & Moderators*

*Preliminary list of speakers & moderators - typically we have over 50 professionals from government and industry presenting topics at the Food Label Conference.

USDA Labeling Basics

Sunday May 20th 
Tracks: USDA 
Instructor: Lisa Weller, MS, & Callie Kambanis, Prime Label Consultants
USDA labeling is confusing with many different sources for rules and regulations.  Stakes can be high with generic labels no longer having FSIS's stamp of approval.  Questions abound about whether to convert to FDA's new Nutrition format. Local inspectors are giving added scrutiny to labels and the risk of Noncompliance Records is greater than ever. Learn the fundamentals of USDA labeling; this seminar covers:

• The details of required and optional label features
• Essential record keeping and Form 7234 to assure rapid approvals and successful audits
• Product name — standardized, fanciful and descriptive - and product name qualifiers
• Information panel features: Nutrition Facts, ingredient statement & address line
• Intricacies of net weight, handling statement, safe handling instructions & inspection legend
• Generic approvals
• Restricted ingredients — calculating levels to assure compliance

...and much more!

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Leading vs Bleeding Edge Labeling and Marketing Claims

Sunday May 20th 
Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructors: Robert Hibbert, Morgan Lewis and Anthony Pavel, Cargill 
With the explosion of product claims and the trends toward clean labeling, publishing compliant, competitive claims can be challenging. The top food lawyers will present the latest on what the USDA and FDA allow and what enforcement actions agencies and the courts are taking. This seminar is appropriate for marketing, labeling & legal staff and will cover:

• Nutrient & health claims, requirements & common pitfalls
• Organic, animal production & grading claims
• Allergens, natural & ingredient claims
• Product naming trends & processing claims
• Romance copy, vignettes & website best practices

...and much more!

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Canadian Labeling

Sunday May 20th 
Tracks: Expert 
Instructor: Erin Taraborrelli, NSF International
Canada has recently updated its food labeling requirements. In addition, it is up to food manufacturers to ensure their product labels are compliant before they go to market, and the regulations can be difficult to interpret. Learn the regulations that govern food labeling in Canada, the differences with US labeling and CFIA enforcement. This seminar covers:

• The regulations that govern food labeling in Canada
• Mandatory label features including compliant common names
• Regulations on claims including nutrient content, organic, Non-GMO
• Standardized and non-standardized products
• Differences with US labeling
• Upcoming changes to the labeling regulations
• CFIA enforcement

...and much more!

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School Lunch (CN) Labeling

Sunday May 20th
Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Patricia Phillips, Phillips Resources 
CN labeling can be complicated with highly specialized Child Nutrition regulations. Learn the how and why of CN labeling in this full day seminar. This training is relevant for new employees responsible for CN labeling, or for a company just exploring the school lunch market.

• Writing, revising & monitoring the required quality control program
• Obtaining a CN number
• Applying for & streamlining your CN label approvals
• What is required on the CN label and 7234 form
• Documentation requirements for purchased ingredients
• Calculating the CN (meat, vegetable & bread) label credit
• Updates on unpublished changes in policy

...and much more!

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Nutrition Label Reform: Best Practices Executing & Optimizing the New NFP

Wednesday May 23rd
Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructors: Christina Bechtold, CEO & Staff of Prime Label Consultants 
Two years into Nutrition Label Reform (NLR), Prime Label has a wealth of lessons learned and best practices to share. FDA's changes to the Nutrition Facts Panel are having repercussions throughout the packaged food industry. From brand image, label design and format, and additional onerous record keeping requirements - companies must decide how to relabel products, or to repackage, reformulate or remove them from shelves. Starting with an overview of NLR, we will do a deep dive into areas of concern like Added Sugars, Dietary Fiber, and Supplier documentation. We will explore the impact of these new rules and how to proactively position products in their best light. PLC will share its two year analysis of what panels have converted and where the issue areas are. Building on best practices from industry, we will then discuss how NFP development workflow needs to change and how to sync the multiple agendas of the supply chain into one seamless transition. Areas covered in this seminar will include:

• New definitions of added sugars, dietary fiber, and other vitamins and minerals
• Case studies highlighting impact on product identity of new serving sizes, panel formats, added sugars, etc.
• Strategies for optimizing Nutrition Facts panel changes to your brand's advantage
• Getting accurate data and synchronizing schedules across the food supply chain to ensure timely conversion
• Workflow considerations and strategies to streamline processes

...and much more

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Nutrition Labeling for FDA & USDA Foods

Wednesday May 23rd
Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Caitlin Diederich, MS, RDN, LDN & Taylor Hart, Prime Label Consultants 
This comprehensive course gives participants a thorough understanding of nutrition labeling for food products under federal regulation - the result: nutrition labeling that meets federal requirements, helps consumers, and maximizes your product positioning. This seminar covers:

• Recent changes to the iconic Nutrition Facts Panel
• Requirements for nutrition labeling & selecting the correct program
• Methods of nutritional analysis
• Determination of serving size and servings per container
• Proper declaration of mandatory and optional nutrients
• Nutrition Facts Panel formatting
• Nutrient content claims and health claims

...and much more!

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FDA Labeling Basics, Claims & Trends

Wednesday May 23rd 
Tracks: FDA
Instructor: Lisa Weller, MS, Celia Yau, Jesse Zuehlke, PhD, Prime Label Consultants
In addition to stringent content / wording requirements, food labels must also comply with size, color, language, and location rules. Claims are also a moving target with many subtleties in wording and design. Learn the basics of FDA labeling and claims and get a download on the latest trends in the marketplace. This seminar covers:

• Required label features
• Nutrition label formats and requirements
• Special statements and claims
• Product naming - standardized, descriptive and fanciful
• Special ingredient requirements, including flavors, colors, oils, spices....
• Requirements for font prominence, feature placement, relative size rules

...and much more!

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Label Graphics Training

Wednesday May 23rd 
Tracks: Marketing 
Instructor: Jesse Waller, Cargill & Brian DiCrescenzo, Topco Associates, LLC
FDA and USDA food label regulations not only have stringent content requirements, many features must comply with size, color, language, and location rules. The new nutrition facts panel is 5% to 100% larger than existing formats, which threatens available label space and leads to some troubling application on small and innovative packaging. Learn the details about graphic requirements for labeling foods in the United States. This full day course includes detailed instruction on:    

• FDA & USDA mandatory label formatting requirements
• Requirements for font prominence, feature placement, relative size rules
• New NFP Graphics - type style and size, use of boldface, lines and bars, arrangement of Information, column headings, footnote, alignment and indentations
• Nutrition Info Presentation - quantitative amounts, %DV, abbreviations
• Claims formatting
• Options to leverage the laws (and still be compliant!)

...and much more!

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Pricing

Main Conference: May 21 - 22, 2018

$1,950 Regular Registration  (after January 15, 2018) 
$1,850 Early Bird Registration (before January 15, 2018 - use Coupon Code: EARLYBIRD)
$2,150 Late Registration (after April 20, 2018)

Add-On Training: May 20 & 23, 2018

$895/day

Full Package savings* of $400 for all 4 days (when booked together)

* Limit one discount per attendee                 

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