March 2025

Dear Christina,

Welcome to March's Label Alert! In this month's headlines, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is sworn in as HHS secretary while Trump establishes a commission to address America's health crisis, U.S. agencies to delay new "Healthy" definition for food labels, HHS Secretary Kennedy proposes eliminating public comment on U.S. health policies, and more ...

This month, register for all four days of the Food Label Conference and save $400!

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

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Sworn in as 26th Secretary at HHS, President Trump Signs Executive Order to Make America Healthy Again

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was sworn in on February 13 as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Immediately following the ceremony, President Trump signed the “Establishing the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission” Executive Order to investigate and address the root causes of America’s escalating health crisis, with a focus on childhood chronic disease. 

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US Health Agencies Delay Decision on Definition of 'Healthy' on Food Labels

U.S. health agencies will delay by more than two months a decision on updating the definition of the nutrient content claim "healthy" that manufacturers can voluntarily use on food packages. The final rule is delayed until April 28 from February 25, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said, citing a freeze implemented on new rule proposals by President Donald Trump.

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Kennedy Proposes Scrapping Public Comment on Major US Health Policies

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking to eliminate public participation in many of his department's policy decisions, a move that appears to contradict his pledge to Congress of "radical transparency."

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Attorney Kyle Diamantas Expected to Replace Jim Jones as FDA Deputy Commissioner of Human Foods

Attorney Kyle Diamantas, J.D. is expected to replace former Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods James (Jim) Jones at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, following Mr. Jones’ resignation on February 17, 2025, according to Bloomberg.

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Upcoming EPA Deadline to Disclose PFAS Use Means Likely Surge in Litigation for Food Industry

The food industry should prepare for the possibility of a major increase in litigation based on allegations that products are contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so-called "forever chemicals." Reports to EPA by PFAS manufacturers and importers are likely to lead to a major increase in new consumer claims.

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How Global Trade Tensions will Impact the Food & Beverage Industry

The Trump administration is pushing back a decision on tariffs for Canada and Mexico, but the scepter of further trade tensions looms large over the food and beverage industry.

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USDA, FDA Seek Information on Importance of Standardized Food Date Labeling

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration recently released a joint Request for Information to inform the country’s approach to date labeling on food. The agencies are seeking responses by March 5th, 2025.

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