Tentative Agenda **

Add-On Training
Sunday April 14

Main Conference Day 1 **
Monday April 15

Main Conference Day 2 **
Tuesday April 16

Add-On Training
Wednesday April 17

* optional; additional fees apply
** tentative agenda

Breakout Sessions **

** Tentative list of breakouts (speakers TBD) - typically we have over 30 of these small group, interactive sessions.

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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 continued to released additional guidance to facilitate implementation of the rules. This session will use examples and 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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Allergen & Gluten Free Labeling

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA 
Allergens are the biggest source of recalls in the United States while Gluten Free remains a popular but often misunderstood claim. Learn the different requirements of the FDA and USDA for labeling allergens, including the subtleties of “Contains” Statements and Advisory Statements - along with how to qualify for a Gluten Free claim.

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Best Practices: Manufacturer - Ingredient Supplier Collaboration

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert 
Growth in rapid development and marketing of new product claims has added strain to the ingredient sourcing and regulatory workflow. Building effective and efficient communication paths is necessary to managing this critical coordination. This session will focus on the best practices for relationship management between manufacturer and ingredient supplier and highlight data-driven dependencies and record keeping strategies.

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Best Practices: 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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Best Practices: Private Label - Supplier Collaboration

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert 
With rapid growth in Private Label, Brand Owners as well as Manufacturers face a unique challenge to collaboratively revise all labels in a short time frame. Explore best practices for coordination and conflict resolution across the supply chain.

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Bioengineered Food Disclosure

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert 
An important follow-up to the USDA General Session overview of the new Bioengineered Food Disclosure requirements, this session will provide a legal perspective on the new regulation. An attorney will focus on the impact of this rule on industry, as well as risk considerations and implementation concerns.

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Cannabis & CBD in Food - the Law, the Science and the Hype

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
CBD oil from Cannabis and Hemp is the newest food craze. Find out why they hold so much promise and peril, and the science behind the hype. Learn about the confusing legalities of CBD and cannabis and what geographies permit them in food.

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Child Nutrition (School Lunch) Labeling Overview

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
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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Clean & Cultured Meat: Trends and Regulatory Implications

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Clean meat is meat that is grown in laboratories from animal cells and is born out of a desire to find environmentally friendly alternatives to animal husbandry. It is still in development, but start-ups working on it say it could be coming within the year. This session will explore the consumer drivers, technologies and regulatory impact of cell-based agriculture.

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Clean Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
There is no regulatory definition for clean labeling. But the truth is, consumer demand for easy-to-understand ingredient statements and trustworthy labels isn't going anywhere. When it comes to meeting what consumers want, it is a lot easier said than done. This session will cover the technical realities associated with the concept of a “clean” label from an R&D and Regulatory perspective.

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Dietary Fiber Rules & Strategies

Tracks: FDA, Nutrition, Expert 
Dietary Fiber is one of the most complex aspects of labeling products with the new nutrition facts panel. This session will address the intricacies of the revised Dietary Fiber Definition and how to translate this into labeling.

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EZ Form Compliance Software

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Discover how this powerful regulatory 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 Product 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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Flavor Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, Expert 
Flavor labeling tops the charts as one of the most common complicated aspects of product labeling. This session will cover flavor descriptors and the laws governing labeling and specific situations including food allergens, flavoring agents, ingredient classifications, flavor categories, organic, kosher and halal.

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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 USDA labeling requirements and FDA best practices? 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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Graphics Optimization for Food Labels

Tracks: Marketing
With available real-estate on the food label at a premium due to proliferation of new claims and regulatory requirements, fitting all of the features onto a package is a huge challenge. This session will cover best-practices for feature placement and fit, and how to troubleshoot graphics when issues arise. Bring your graphic design questions to the Q&A in this session.

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International: Canadian Labeling Revisions

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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International: European Union Labeling

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

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International: Mexico and Latin America Labeling

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, Expert 
Understand nutrition and ingredient labeling regulations in Mexico and Latin America and learn how they differ from labeling in the US, including the Nutrition Facts, ingredient lists, and allergen declarations. Discuss the subtleties of formulating products for these markets and some of the special issues that apply. Understand what resources are available to you to ensure your labels for Mexico and Latin America are compliant.

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Marketplace Trends in FDA & USDA Product Claims

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Learn about the latest innovations in FDA and USDA product labeling trends. Discuss the consumer drivers behind these trends and how the food industry is responding. Delve into the subtleties of the newest food claims and explore alternatives to to satisfy market demand.

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Meal Kits & Emerging Distribution Channels

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Meal kits, direct-to-consumer, and online marketplaces are increasingly popular. Without a clear definition or agency jurisdiction, industry has been left to fill in the gaps while regulators have been playing catch-up.This breakout will discuss recent regulatory guidance on meal kit labeling requirements, the retail store exemption and the interaction of USDA, FDA, state and local regulations on these products.

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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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Nutrition Facts Panel Optimization

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Nutrition Label Reform has upended two decades of NFP/packaged product optimization and revealed new labeling challenges with serving size changes and the new mandatory dual column requirement. Food companies are back at the drawing board to synchronize their nutrition labeling with their target markets. This case study driven session will illustrate how nutrition takes center stage when implementing the new rules and opportunities to mitigate negative impact.

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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 
Engaging customers or selling products online through new distribution channels requires careful consideration. What makes a food label compliant on the web, social media, or on mobile - and who is enforcing the regulations? Learn requirements and best practices for e-commerce and managing compliance for digital product assets.

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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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Private Label Supplier Meetings

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Marketing, Expert 
Come meet the regulatory and packaging teams of Private Label 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. Stay tuned for Private Label brand schedules.

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Product Naming for FDA & USDA Foods

Tracks: FDA , USDA, Marketing
Explore USDA and FDA regulations on product naming and standards of identity. Find out the difference between common and usual, descriptive, standard, and fanciful names and what conventions are required for each. Learn about the components of identity statements, including many types of qualifiers.

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Proposition 65

Tracks: Expert 
For products sold in the state of California, compliance with the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, or Proposition 65, is essential to mitigate litigation risk. Come and learn the important challenges to the published list of substances, recent changes to the clear and reasonable warnings requirements, and how your food or packaging may be impacted.

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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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Third Party Certifications & Claims

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Marketing
With more and more consumers demanding independent validation, third party certification (including gluten free, non-GMO, process verification, and ingredient quality claims) is a growing trend. The session will provide an overview of how third party certification programs work, how to find a provider, and manage the process. Learn which claims can be certified and what common certification criteria looks like. Discuss best practices for a certification audit.

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USDA Animal Production, Raising & 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. This session will also take a closer look at export to Canada, Mexico and China.

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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 Product 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.

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 April 14th 
Tracks: USDA 
Instructor: Lisa Weller, MS, & Callie Kambanis, Prime Label Consultants

USDA labeling can be very confusing with many different sources for rules, policies, and regulations. Stakes can be high with generic labels no longer having FSIS's stamp of approval. In addition, local inspectors are giving added scrutiny to labels, and the risk of Noncompliance Records is greater than ever. Learn the fundamentals of USDA labeling in this seminar. Our seminar covers:

• Details of required and optional label features
• How to obtain the appropriate type of approval - sketch, generic, or temporary
• Essential record keeping ​practices and completing the 7234​-1​ ​form ​to assure rapid approvals and successful ​label ​audits
• Picking a product name - standardized, common or usual, descriptive, and fanciful​ - and ​required ​product name qualifiers
• ​Considerations for nutrition labeling and the current regulatory status for USDA
• Ingredient ​declaration requirements and labeling of specific types of ingredients (e.g. spices, flavors)​
• Restricted ingredients and how to calculate the appropriate levels to assure compliance
• Special statements and claims

...and much more!

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Nutrition Labeling for FDA & USDA Foods

Sunday April 14th
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 retail food products under federal regulation - the result: nutrition labeling that meets federal requirements, helps consumers, and maximizes your product positioning. This seminar covers:

• Requirements for nutrition labeling and selecting the correct program
• Nutrition Label Reform changes and conversion considerations
  
• Methods of nutritional analysis
• Proper declaration of mandatory and optional nutrients
• Determination of serving size and servings per container
• Dual column labeling
  
• Nutrition Facts Panel formatting
• Nutrient content claims and health claims

...and much more!

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Leading vs Bleeding Edge Labeling and Marketing Claims

Sunday April 14th
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 April 14th 
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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New Bioengineered (GMO) Disclosure: Working Session for Best Practices Across the Supply Chain

Wednesday April 17th
Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Christina Bechtold, CEO Prime Label Consultants and Industry Experts

After hearing from government authors and legal experts on the new BE rule during the main conference, this seminar will focus on assessing the pros and cons of implementation strategies and developing a tactical roadmap that works across the entire supply chain. Starting with an overview of the new rule, we will take a working group approach to understanding what has been done already and best practices to coordinate across multiple constituencies and information platforms.This full day session includes:    

• Overview of new National Bioengineered Disclosure Standard - requirements, timeline & enforcement
• Planning the transition across supply chain interdependencies
• Tracking ingredient data
• Disclosure standards - pros & cons of online vs. packaged label options
• Managing changing government disclosure requirements
• Enforcement risk mitigation

...and much more!

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Nutrition Label Reform for USDA Foods

Wednesday April 17th
Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, USDA, Expert 
Instructors: Jesse Zuehlke PhD, General Manager & Staff of Prime Label Consultants 

While USDA companies are starting to adopt Nutrition Label Reform, the absence of a final USDA nutrition rule makes this much more difficult. After three years and thousands of Nutrition Facts panels, Prime Label understands these nuances and subtleties and has a wealth of best practices to share. It is important to get it right - 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. In this session, we will explore the impact of these new rules, how to adjust to USDA requirements and proactively position products in their best light. Areas covered in this seminar will include:

• Overview of Nutrition Label Reform changes and nuances for USDA products
• 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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FDA Labeling Basics

Wednesday April 17th 
Tracks: FDA
Instructor: Lisa Weller, MS, Celia Yau, Prime Label Consultants

FDA labeling can be complex, with requirements for label features ranging from very strict to undefined or highly ambiguous. In addition, the enforcement date is quickly approaching for the new Nutrition Label regulations, and claims are also a moving target with many subtleties in wording and design. Learn the fundamentals of FDA labeling in this seminar. Our content covers:

• Details of required label features and compliance gray-zones
• Picking a product name - standardized, common or usual, descriptive, and fanciful
• Flavor qualifiers and how to tell if your products need them
• Overview of the new Nutrition Labeling regulations and recent guidance updates
• Special statements and claims and their current regulatory statuses
• Ingredient ​declaration requirements and labeling of specific types of ingredients, including flavors, colors, spices, and more
• Requirements for feature placement and sizing rules

...and much more!

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School Lunch Crediting and CN Labeling

Wednesday April 17th
Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Patricia Phillips, Phillips Resources 

School Lunch regulations are complicated! Learn the how and why of School Lunch crediting policies, CN labeling, and product formulation statements 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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Label Graphics: from NFPs to Names to Claims, and more

Wednesday April 17th 
Tracks: Marketing 
Instructor: TBD
FDA and USDA food label regulations have stringent content requirements and must comply with size, color, language, and location rules. In addition, the new nutrition facts panel is 5% to 100% larger than existing formats, which creates challenges fitting all label features on a package. In this seminar, learn tips and tricks for graphic design of food labels in the United States:

• FDA & USDA mandatory label formatting requirements
• Requirements for font prominence, feature placement, and 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
• Claims formatting

...and much more!

Pricing

Main Conference: April 15 - 16, 2019

$1,995 Regular Registration  (after January 1, 2019) 
$1,895 Early Bird Registration (before January 1, 2019 - use Coupon Code: EARLYBIRD)
$2,195 Late Registration (after March 15, 2019)

Add-On Training: April 14 & 17, 2019

$895/day

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

* Limit one discount per attendee                 

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