Policy
A working paper jointly released by Stanford University, MIT, and the University of Chicago shows that SNAP restrictions on sugary drink purchases reduced soda purchases by 12% in the first half of 2026, equivalent to a per capita reduction of about 34 cans of 12-ounce sugary drinks per year. The study found no evidence that SNAP beneficiaries switched to using their own funds to purchase sugary drinks, but in states that restricted only soda without limiting juice or energy drinks, consumers shifted up to 39% of their consumption to other sugary beverages. The research provides policymakers with new evidence on the effectiveness of SNAP restrictions.
The US-Canada trade war continues to intensify, with Canada announcing tariffs of up to 50% on $27.6 billion in US goods. The packaging industry faces dual challenges of costs and supply chains as raw materials such as pulp, paper, and metals are included on the list. Multiple companies have initiated response assessments, and industry associations are calling for both sides to return to the negotiating table.
A group of 42 Republican and 16 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives jointly sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, requesting an investigation into "pricing anomalies" in domestic aluminum sales. The lawmakers noted that the Midwest Premium (MWP), serving as the national benchmark price, incorporates the Trump administration's 50% aluminum tariff, causing even companies using domestic or recycled aluminum to bear tariff costs. This move has sparked responses and controversy from S&P Global Platts, the Aluminum Association, the Beer Institute, and other organizations.
The FSMA 204 rule aims to unify food traceability standards, addressing the fragmented practices that previously prevailed across the supply chain. Pilot projects at Wegmans and Sysco have revealed real-world challenges: technology is just the starting point, with process optimization, data standardization, and trading partner collaboration being the critical factors. Experts advise companies to initiate testing early and prioritize partnerships with high-impact collaborators.
USDA data for April shows SNAP enrollment fell nearly 13% year-over-year to just over 37 million, with every state except Alaska posting declines. Arizona led with a drop of more than half, while California and New Mexico saw smaller but notable decreases. The declines follow the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's stricter work requirements and increased state administrative responsibilities.
The FDA has proposed a new rule to shift the 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) mechanism for food ingredients from voluntary notification to mandatory notification, requiring companies to submit safety data before and after ingredients enter the market to enhance regulatory transparency. This move aims to address concerns from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, but industry groups and consumer organizations have reacted differently.
A U.S. federal appeals court upheld a lower court ruling, finding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's exemption of highly refined foods from GMO labeling was 'arbitrary and capricious' and that disclosure via QR codes alone was noncompliant. The ruling will force the USDA to rewrite the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard by 2028, potentially requiring more ultra-processed foods, such as potato chips and sodas, to label genetically modified ingredients.
The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the district court's dismissal and revived a class action lawsuit over Chobani's 'Zero Sugar' yogurt label. The FDA clarified in an amicus brief that allulose falls within the statutory definition of sugar, and its 2020 enforcement guidance does not constitute an exemption for companies. The case will proceed to the discovery phase.
A joint report by the National Confectioners Association and RTI International shows that from 2024 to 2025, food sales using natural pigments grew by 24.4%, while products with artificial dyes only grew by 0.1%. In the candy and beverage categories, sales of natural pigment products increased by nearly 20% and 12%, respectively, whereas artificial dye products grew by only 0.2%. Although synthetic dyes still hold a larger market share, consumer acceptance is slowly improving.
The Florida Attorney General's office has launched an investigation into potassium bromate, with the first civil subpoena directed at General Mills and its Pillsbury brand. The probe will involve product documents, safety studies, and executive knowledge, and may expand to other related companies.