Preservative risk puts clean label in the spotlight
New research links common preservatives to higher risks of cancer and type 2 diabetes. What does this mean for clean label trends and the future of food innovation?
Regulation & safety
News Bites
From dietary guidelines to cocoa shortages, pressure mounts on CPG brands
This week’s top stories show how nutrition policy debates, shifting views on processing and cocoa supply disruptions are reshaping formulation and sourcing decisions for CPG brands
Chocolate is front-running US-Canada trade breakdown
As US-Canada tariffs grind on with no obvious exit, chocolate makers are quietly redrawing supply chains and exposing a deeper fault line running through food
Cyber attacks spike worldwide: 7 ways food and drink can fight back
Cyber crime is hitting food and drink hard, exposing just how quickly supply chains can break. What can industry do to protect itself?
Sugar, stocks and scrutiny: Mondelez, Kraft and General Mills caught in Trump’s nutrition reset
The market reaction to Donald Trump’s dietary overhaul isn’t about kale versus cookies – it’s about whether Washington has finally decided the packaged food sector needs firmer rules, not friendlier guidance
Food fraud cases surge worldwide as prevention efforts fail
A fresh wave of food fraud is sweeping the globe. What can be done to stop it
EUDR delay now likely to go ahead
The landmark deforestation regulation is a step closer to being postponed following a vote in European Parliament
Another EUDR backflip: How did we get here?
In a dramatic pivot, the EU’s anti-deforestation law looks like it will be pushed back for some, and reworked for all. Here’s a timeline to help with the whiplash
Government shutdown threatens CPG brands tied to SNAP and WIC
As the shutdown nears its fourth week, the SNAP and WIC funding crisis is rippling through retail supply chains, jeopardizing access to food and CPG category stability
Retailers ‘scramble’ to comply with no-sweets SNAP laws
The payment system restructure could cost the industry $1.6 billion
The great color reckoning: America’s breakup with fake dyes
With US states set to ban or label synthetic dyes, Sensient CEO Paul Manning unpacks the economics, supply pressures and sensory science driving America’s shift to natural color
EU biscuits face acrylamide reckoning
A new study shows more than a quarter of biscuits on sale blow past EU safety benchmarks for acrylamide – a probable carcinogen that’s testing regulators’ patience and shaking consumer trust
UPFs are not the devil to clean-label’s angel
Are ultra-processed foods really the enemy?
European Commission wants to delay EUDR, again
The Environment Commissioner hopes lawmakers will agree to postpone the deforestation regulation yet another year
Is it time to get plastic out of chewing gum?
Chewing gum might be small, but its plastic content is causing big concerns. With mounting regulatory pressure and rising consumer demand for change, manufacturers are being urged to rethink their formulations
How do GLP-1 drugs impact gut health?
As GLP-1 weight loss drugs skyrocket in popularity, their impact on gut health is raising questions
How regulators are shaping the future of novel foods
From cell-cultivated meat to precision-fermented dairy, regulators are stepping up to support innovation
UPF linked to rising cancer rates in latest study
New research links high UPF consumption to a 41% increase in lung cancer risk, independent of smoking
Food safety emergency: What’s causing the recall spike?
Food recalls have hit record highs - costing billions, shaking consumer trust, and exposing cracks in global supply chains
Texas AG targets Mars over continued use of artificial colours
Despite making a public commitment nearly a decade ago to phase out artificial colours, the M&M’s and Skittles maker is in hot water over its continued use of synthetic dyes in the US
FDA redraws the rainbow to dye another day
The storm over artificial dyes is clearing and the FDA is ushering in a brighter, cleaner food palette. With Red No 3 fading fast and new colours blooming, brands are now racing to catch the rainbow
EUDR at a crossroads: Delays, simplification and mounting tension
Debates over Europe’s approach to policing deforestation have reached a turning point
What counts as ultra-processed food? It depends who you ask
There is no single definition of UPF, so we’re rounding up all the classifications that exist
Global food fraud surges in 2025
Multiple sectors hit as industry struggles to contain threat
Acesulfame K declared safe by EFSA
Popular sweetener, used in carbonated drinks, sweets and protein shakes re-evaluated following safety concerns
States move to ban soda and candy from SNAP – triggering industry pushback and potentially a domino effect across US
Arkansas, Indiana and Idaho want to block low-income Americans from spending nutrition aid on candy and soda as part of the Trump Administration’s larger Make America Healthy Again initiative – but industry groups say a ban will have unintended consequences
The race to replace red no 3: Is your brand ready?
Colour manufacturers advise confectioners on top considerations when replacing soon-to-be-banned synthetic food dye
New report anticipates negligible costs of implementing EUDR
As the industry prepares for the regulation’s December 2025 arrival, confectioners explore what’s needed to build transparent and sustainable supply chains
How the EUDR is reshaping confectionery labelling and sustainability claims
As the EUDR reshapes cocoa sourcing, confectionery brands may use product labelling to highlight compliance, even though it’s not a mandatory requirement
Will aspartame be banned?
Aspartame is approved for use in thousands of food and beverage products worldwide, but calls to ban the popular sweetener are growing. Will European Commission proceed with a ban and what would this mean for manufacturers?
What’s in store for global confectionery regulations in 2025?
A snapshot of the anticipated policies and legal changes coming this year and how they’ll affect confectioners
New diabetes figures raise questions over HFSS regulations
Will new figures, highlighting links between sugar-sweetened drinks and diabetes, push governments to move further on sugar reduction regulations?
Is allergen-free candy expanding beyond dairy and gluten-free?
As demand for allergen-free treats surges, confectionery brands are moving beyond dairy and gluten-free, offering safer options that cater to a growing consumer base with multiple food allergies.
EUDR
Can cocoa become fully traceable ahead of the EUDR?
Find out how global traceability systems are gathering pace as the new law’s impending deadline moves closer
Sustainability in confectionery: Six ways to drive a greener future
In recent years, consumer demand and evolving government regulations have led to significant advancements in sustainability within the confectionery sector.
7 Things you need to know about the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)
What’s the latest on the EU’s plastics law?
Ultra-processed food kills, says WHO
The World Health Organization is linking ultra-processed food, alcohol, tobacco, and fossil fuel industries to millions of deaths in Europe every year.
Is zero-calorie sweetener xylitol bad for the heart?
Another sweetener has come under fire from researchers, and industry is pushing back.
Sustainability
Barry Callebaut maps out phase two of Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI) plan
Barry Callebaut, which describes itself as the ‘heart and engine of the chocolate industry,’ has claimed notable advances in sustainable cocoa farming and deforestation prevention in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana.
Special report
Is there a business case for a fully transparent cocoa supply chain?
The latest CN webinar on sustainable cocoa supply chains asked the question: should the industry adopt a more responsible approach to procurement when sourcing cocoa beans and other ingredients?
How might FDA’s determination of tara flour as ‘unsafe’ impact the reputation of tara gum, which the agency underscores has a ‘well established’ safety profile?
FDA’s determination that tara flour, a plant-based protein that could have sickened hundreds of people who consumed it in a Daily Harvest dish two years ago, is not Generally Recognized As Safe could have negative consequences for tara gum, a...
Sustainability
Cocoa investors request major chocolate companies pay farmers more
An investor letter issued earlier this month by non-profit Investor Advocates for Social Justice (IASJ) has called out international chocolate companies to end what it described as “exploitative purchasing practices,” mainly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
What advances is AI making in bakery and snacks?
Hint: The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is less to do with glossy marketing campaigns and packaging visuals and more about uncovering the mystery of algorithms and getting a better handle on supply chain data.
Sustainabilty
Fairtrade helps more West African cocoa farmers with specialist training
Fairtrade International claims that more cocoa farmers are benefiting from training in key environmental sustainability areas.
Will new ‘shrinkflation’ labelling in France truly boost transparency?
France is preparing to enforce ‘shrinkflation’ signposting in retail, but critics are unconvinced the measure goes far enough.
Sustainability
Luker Chocolate on course to impact 1,500 farmers by 2027
Luker Chocolate, the premium Colombian Business-for-Business (B4B) chocolate manufacturer, has revealed significant progress towards Its 2027 sustainability targets, including increasing income for farmers, social wellbeing, and deforestation-free cocoa.
Sustainability
Nestlé claims cocoa farmers reaping rewards of its income accelerator programme
In a major update, Nestlé says its income accelerator programme is helping cocoa farmers substantially improve cocoa productivity and increase their net income.
Regulation
German confectionery industry calls for ‘significant strengthening of the European single market’
The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) is specifically demanding a set of measures for future European legislation.
Sustainability
US chocolate for good: companies launch impact programme for female cocoa farmers in Ghana
A new impact investment partnership, ‘Women for Chocolate,’ has launched in Ghana to ensure the success of women cocoa farmers.
Sustainability
Ofi Cocoa partners with USAID to deliver enhanced supply chain transparency
Major cocoa supplier ofi (olam food ingredients), has claimed recent developments in data and technology are behind its progress towards creating a more sustainable supply chain.