May 2026

Welcome to May's Label Alert! In this month's headlines, the House Subcommittee on Health holds a hearing on federal preemption of state food safety laws and other issues, New York is set to become the first state to require food companies to report on the safety of new ingredients, the USDA launches the first Office of Seafood, and more.

And this month we're offering $100 savings on the 2026 Food Label Conference's FDA, Nutrition, and USDA Generic Labeling seminars.

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

Federal Preemption of State Food Safety Laws Debated During Congressional Hearing

In an April 29 Congressional hearing held by the House Subcommittee on Health, U.S. Representatives and witnesses from industry and consumer protection groups debated federal preemption of state food safety laws, the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) process, state–federal information-sharing during outbreaks, and other issues.

Read on...

Congressional hearing press release...

New York Poised to Become First State to Close Food Ingredient ‘Loophole’ Criticized by RFK Jr

New York could soon become the first state to require food companies to report on the safety of new ingredients and close a loophole frequently criticized by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

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USDA Launches First-ever Office of Seafood

The USDA announced the creation of its new Office of Seafood, a first-of-its-kind office designed to give commercial fishermen, aquaculture producers, and seafood processors a clearer path to accessing federal programs and resources.  

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FDA Weighs ‘Snapper’ as Market Name for Certain Rockfish Species

The FDA is issuing a Request for Information on a potential update to the acceptable market name for eighteen species of Sebastes, commonly known as rockfish. Currently, the acceptable market name for the genus Sebastes is “rockfish.” However, the FDA has received inquiries from industry stakeholders requesting that the name be changed to “snapper.”

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Tariffs on Trial: Pending Ruling Could Impact Supply Costs and Grocery Prices

Burlap & Barrel’s challenge to the Trump administration’s tariffs in the US Court of International Trade could define how far presidents can stretch decades‑old trade statutes. 

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The Invisible Force Making Food Less Nutritious

Surging concentrations of carbon in the atmosphere, caused largely by burning fossil fuels, have produced potent changes in the way plants grow — from increasing their sugar content to depleting essential nutrients like zinc. Experts fear the degradation of Earth’s food supply will cause an epidemic of hidden hunger.

Read on...