October 2025

Greetings!

Welcome to October's Label Alert! In this month's headlines, FDA proposes a rule mandating companies provide documentation proving GRAS claims, MAHA commissioners and HHS Secretary Kennedy publish strategy for improving the health of American children, FDA schedules a public meeting to discuss food allergen thresholds, and more.

And this month we're highlighting our upcoming Food Label Seminars on the latest on Washington's food policy and claims! Take advantage of the insights of the top food lawyers on the latest trends and regulatory developments.

Now, get caught up on the latest industry news from Label Alert.

FDA Takes First Step Toward Closing GRAS Ingredient ‘Loophole’

The FDA proposed a rule that companies provide health data and other documentation when declaring a new food ingredient or additive is safe, a step toward eliminating a voluntary approval process decried by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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MAHA and Secretary Kennedy Publish Full Strategy, Meat Industry Reacts

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission released an updated strategy titled, “Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy Report.” After Secretary Kennedy provided an outline of the new MAHA strategy, several meat industry groups shared insights on their positions regarding the initiatives.

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FDA to Open Registration for the Virtual Public Meeting and Listening Sessions on Food Allergen Thresholds and Their Potential Applications

The FDA invites the public to attend a virtual public meeting on November 18, 2025 and listening sessions on November 19 - 20, 2025 regarding food allergen thresholds and their potential applications in the U.S.  

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Walmart to Remove Food Dyes from its Great Value, Other Private Labels

The nation's largest grocer will excise certain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes from its store brands as consumers switch to "cleaner" options.

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California Assembly Passes Bill to Define Ultra-Processed Food

California has passed Assembly Bill 1264 to define ultra-processed foods (UPF) and phase certain “UPFs of concern” out of school meals. The bill was introduced earlier this year by a bipartisan group of California lawmakers.

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FDA Amends Food Additive Regulation for Hydrogen Peroxide to Include Meat, Poultry Uses

FDA has amended the food additive regulation for the safe use of hydrogen peroxide in food production as an antimicrobial agent, oxidizing and reducing agent, and bleaching agent, and to remove sulfur dioxide. The final order has been made in response to a food additive petition filed by Cargill.

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