The 33rd Annual
FOOD LABEL CONFERENCE
April 26 - 27, 2021  |  Washington D.C.
Save the date &
See last year's highlights below . . .

COVID-19 Impact - Prime Label hosted a virtual conference this year, modifying our dates to be more conducive to stay-at-home work schedules. Our 7 general sessions took place over 2 half-days, but our 35 breakout topics and 8 add-on seminars were scheduled sequentially over 6 weeks in June and July. This allowed conference participants  to attend over 40 hours of premium regulatory content (with eligible continuing education (CEU) credit) in just the main conference alone.

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Virtual Conference Agenda*

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General Sessions

Monday June 1

Tuesday June 2

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Breakout Sessions

Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 9 - July 16, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

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See breakout descriptions in section below

Added Sugar Rules & Strategies
Allergen & Gluten Free Labeling
Best Practices: Graphics - Regulatory Collaboration
Best Practices: Marketing - Regulatory Collaboration
Best Practices: Private Label - Supplier Collaboration
Bioengineered Food Disclosure
Canadian Labeling Revisions
Cannabis and CBD
Child Nutrition (School Lunch)
Claims: "Non-GMO" & "Not BE"
Clean & Cultured Meat Trends
Clean Labeling
Keys to New Dietary Guidelines
EZ Form Compliance Software
FDA Recalls, Warnings & Enforcement
Flavor Labeling
Geographic & Country of Origin
Import/Export: Industry View
Ingredients Best Practices
Marketplace Trends & Claims
Meal Kits & Emerging Channels
Natural Labeling Complexities
Nutrition Panel Optimization
Nutrient Claims & the New NFP
Nutrient Claims & the New NFP
Nutrient Data: Lab vs Calculation
Organic Claims
Product Naming for FDA & USDA
Proposition 65
Q&A on USDA Label Compliance
States Dictating Standards
Third Party Certifications/Claims
USDA Animal Production Claims
USDA Export Requirements
USDA Generic Labeling Update

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Add-On Trainings**

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June 3, 12 - 3p
June 4 & 5, 12 - 3p
June 8, 12 - 3p
June 10 & 12, 12 - 3p
June 15, 12 - 3p

June 17 & 19 & 22
                      12 - 2p
                        2 - 4p
June 24, 12 - 3p

* all times are Eastern Daylight Time
** optional; additional fees apply

MAIN CONFERENCE

BENEFITS

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General Session Descriptions

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The Future of Quality: COVID-19 and Beyond...

Tom Chestnut, Sr. VP Global Food Division, NSF

This session will provide an opportunity to learn about some of the latest front line digital food safety trends, such as the use of smartglass technology and AI to detect and correct human error in real time - bringing food safety execution to the next level. Tom Chestnut, Sr. Vice President of NSF International’s Global Food Division will explore what is fueling the trends and how companies are using technology vs.people and travel in the era of coronavirus.

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FTC Labeling Enforcement Priorities

Elizabeth Sanger, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission

Novel claims, advertising, and products often face scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission. Understand how regulators approach new trends and hear an important update regarding FTC enforcement priorities and government intent regarding new rules.

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The Next Horizon - BE Disclosure and Online Compliance

Moderator: Jesse Zuehlke, PhD, Prime Label Consultants

Explore the intersection of two top priorities for many in the regulatory community. Planning is well underway for on-pack and on-line disclosure of Bioengineered Foods, and the explosion of digital marketing and e-commerce continue to tax compliance teams. Learn best practices and reg flags to watch for in your own BE & online labeling implementation.

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Pandemic Panel - Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Moderator: Jesse Zuehlke, PhD, Prime Label Consultants

The COVID-19 Pandemic has had unprecedented impact on business around the globe. A panel of experts across the supply chain will share how their businesses were impacted and critical changes they made to survive in the new normal going forward.

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USDA Labeling & Regulations Update with Q & A

Members of the Labeling and Program Delivery Staff, FSIS, USDA

Over the past year, the USDA has been busy proposing and evolving guidance on GMO, animal production claims and generic label approval. This session will provide an update regarding USDA’s new and pending policies and government intent regarding new and proposed rules. USDA staff labeling experts will also respond to the audience’s food and nutrition labeling questions, and clarify labeling gray areas and unwritten rules.

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Office of Field Operations - FSIS Enforcement

Philip Bronstein, Assistant Administrator, Office of Field Operations, FSIS, USDA

Learn how the Office of Field Operations is guiding inspection activity and USDA enforcement priorities through their district offices around the country. Understand how inspection has proceeded through the COVID-19 pandemic, and what future plans might include. Walk through what the USDA is thinking and how the inspectors make the decisions they do.

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Legal Trends and Challenges in Food Labeling

Robert Hibbert, Partner at Morgan Lewis and Tony Pavel, Senior Food Lawyer, Cargill

This year the food industry is challenged to balance regulatory and marketplace demands in an increasingly litigious environment. This session will give a legal perspective and risk assessment of new regulations, food standard controversies, marketplace trends and technologies, and assess the initiatives of the new administration, three years in.

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Private Label & Small Group Networking

Various Moderators - TBD

Network with industry experts, Private Label teams and conference attendees during a virtual networking hour at the end of the General Session. We plan to have a variety of different small group affinity topics to choose from.

Breakout Sessions Track Guide & Descriptions

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Added Sugar Rules & Strategies

Tracks: Nutrition, Expert 
Instructor: Lisa Weller Ashton, MS, Prime Label Consultants

The definition of Added Sugar has been vastly debated since the publication of FDA’s final rule for nutrition labeling. Since then, the agency has continued to release additional guidance to facilitate implementation of the rules. This session will use examples and case studies to explain the FDA’s definition of Added Sugars, propose best practices for troubleshooting data collection, and highlight strategies for optimizing nutrition facts panel sugar declarations.

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Allergen & Gluten Free Labeling

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA 
Instructor: Fernanda Almeida, Nestle

Discover the different requirements of the USDA and FDA for labeling allergens, the major source of recalls in the United States. Learn when allergens need to be declared and when they don’t, including the subtleties of containing statements. Dive into the regulations on gluten-free labeling and some considerations of its pros and cons.

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Best Practices: Graphics - Regulatory Collaboration - NEW

Tracks: Marketing 
Instructor: Brian DiCrescenzo & Brittany LaSota, Topco Associates LLC

With the proliferation of new claims and regulatory requirements, collaboration between regulatory and graphic design is a huge challenge. This session will cover best-practices for working together and communicating, and troubleshooting when issues arise.

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Best Practices: Marketing - Regulatory Collaboration

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, Expert 
Instructor: Jennifer Kiebles, McCain Foods & Caitlin Diederich, Prime Label Consultants

Turn conflict into creative compliance and position products in the best light. This session is intended to explore best practices for marketing and regulatory teams to fulfill a shared goal – to ensure that products are in compliance while keeping them competitive in the marketplace.

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Best Practices: Private Label - Supplier Collaboration

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Amy White, Walmart & Jared Bock, Reser's Fine Foods

With rapid growth in Private Label, Brand Owners, as well as Manufacturers, face a unique challenge to collaborate extensively on label claims and compliance in a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape. Explore best practices for coordination and conflict resolution across the supply chain.

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Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Trevor Findley, Food Disclosure and Labeling, USDA, AMS

For the first time in the US, industry will need to disclose food's bioengineered BE status (containing BE ingredients) on packages. This session will cover the specifics of the new rule, the options for disclosing this information and the deadline the industry must meet for compliance with this new law.

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Canadian Labeling Revisions

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, Expert 
Instructor: Michelle Anstey, NSF International

Understand new Canadian nutrition and ingredient labeling regulations and learn how they differ from labeling in the US, including the new Nutrition Facts Table format, ingredient list changes, and allergen declarations. Discuss the subtleties of formulating products for Canada and some of the special issues that apply. Understand what resources are available to you to ensure your Canadian labels are compliant.

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Cannabis & CBD in Food - the Law, the Science and the Hype

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Jonathan Havens, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the newest food craze. Find out why CBD-infused products could hold both promise and peril, what we know about the science behind the hype, and what remains to be seen. Learn about the confusing legal and regulatory framework surrounding CBD, and the rules of the road about adding it to food products.

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Child Nutrition (School Lunch) Labeling Overview

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Trish Tung-Tayman, Child Nutrition Labeling Program Office, USDA

Discover the ins and outs of Child Nutrition labeling from the administrators themselves. Explore how CN labeling works and its advantages. Learn about the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) quality control program and the CN label application process. Find out where to obtain information and discuss some frequently asked questions.

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Claims: "Non-GMO" and "Not Bioengineered" - NEW

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, Expert
Instructor: John Dillard, OFW Law

With mandatory Bioengineered labeling effective in 2020, this session will explore consumer, regulatory, and legal aspects of a Non-GMO claim vs a Not Bioengineered claim, important considerations for each, and whether there is a difference for your products.

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Clean & Cultured Meat: Trends and Regulatory Implications

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Brian Sylvester, Foley & Lardner LLP

Clean meat is meat that is grown in laboratories from animal cells and is born out of a desire to find environmentally friendly alternatives to animal husbandry. It is still in development, but start-ups working on it say it could be coming within the year. This session will explore the consumer drivers, technologies and regulatory impact of cell-based agriculture.

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Clean Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Kantha Shelke, Corvus Blue, LLC

There is no regulatory definition for clean labeling. But the truth is, consumer demand for easy-to-understand ingredient statements and trustworthy labels isn't going anywhere. When it comes to meeting what consumers want, it is a lot easier said than done. This session will cover the technical realities associated with the concept of a “clean” label from an R&D and Regulatory perspective.

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Date Coding - NEW

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Janis Hochstetler, Iowa Department of Agriculture

What does that EXP 1/31/2025 really mean on that can of soup?   This session will examine terms, consumer expectations, industry standards, FDA and USDA regulatory requirements, safety vs quality, shelf life studies and resources all relating to food code dating.

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Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025: Key Findings & Impacts - NEW

Tracks: Nutrition, Expert
Instructor: Sarah Levy, FoodMinds

Explore the latest status of the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, including their Scientific Report. Review new conclusions and recommendations, and how the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans will impact consumer trends and your own product marketing and labels.

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EZ Form Compliance Software

Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Fred Mosher, Prime Label Consultants

Discover how this powerful regulatory software can streamline your labeling process by providing required forms, labels and Nutrition Facts Panels, updated for the new rule. Learn how EZ Form's smart checks and record keeping can save you time and increase your compliance. Get access to EZ Form's programmer to answer your advanced questions, and learn tips and tricks for optimizing this powerful label compliance tool.

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FDA Recalls, Warning Letters & Enforcement Actions

Tracks: FDA, Expert 
Instructors: Alexandre Gapihan & Maria Kalousi-Tatum, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

FDA has multiple initiatives for monitoring manufacturer compliance and communicating violations of FDA regulations. Learn more about key tools available for compliance including blockchain technology, trends in enforcement, best practices for preparing for and responding to recalls and the impact of recalls on brand integrity.

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Flavor Labeling

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, Expert 
Instructor: Lisa Cummins, FONA International Inc.

Flavor labeling tops the charts as one of the most common complicated aspects of product labeling. This session will cover flavor descriptors and the laws governing labeling and specific situations including food allergens, flavoring agents, ingredient classifications, flavor categories, organic, kosher and halal.

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Geographic and Country of Origin Labeling - NEW

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Katelyn Hilferty, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

Can you claim that your product or ingredients are from a specific location? When is that required? Understand how to apply geographic origin and style claims, and learn when you must include country of origin information.

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Import/ Export: Industry Perspective - NEW

Tracks: Expert
Instructor: Jen Dadak, Campbell Soup Company

Understand the regulatory complexity and best practices for navigating the global supply chain and international distribution. Hear about compliance, knowledge management, and business impacts from a multinational CPG.

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Ingredients Best Practices - NEW

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Expert
Instructor: Justin Crews, J & J Snacks

Learn best practices for building an ingredient statement on your product labels: choosing a common and usual name, interpreting your supplier's specification, identifying flavors and colors, as well as important aspects of documentation and record-keeping.

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Marketplace Trends in USDA & FDA Product Claims

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Julie Luebbert, Ambassador Meat Distributors, Inc

Learn about the latest innovations in USDA and FDA product labeling trends. Discuss the consumer drivers behind these trends and how the food industry is responding. Delve into the subtleties of the newest food claims and explore alternatives to satisfy market demand.

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Meal Kits & Emerging Distribution Channels

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Tom Hofer, PurFoods, LLC

Meal kits, direct-to-consumer, and online marketplaces are increasingly popular. Without a clear definition or agency jurisdiction, industry has been left to fill in the gaps while regulators have been playing catch-up. This breakout will discuss recent regulatory guidance on meal kit labeling requirements, the retail store exemption and the interaction of USDA, FDA, state and local regulations on these products.

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 Natural Labeling Complexities

Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Evangelia Pelonis, Keller and Heckman LLP

Understand the ins and outs of Natural labeling. Explore the differences between FDA and USDA definitions of “Natural”. Discuss the impact on retail, restaurants and customer perception, and explore the pros and cons of this contentious claim.

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Nutrition Facts Panel Optimization

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Christina Bechtold, CEO, Prime Label Consultants

Nutrition Label Reform has upended two decades of NFP/packaged product optimization and revealed new labeling challenges with serving size changes and the new mandatory dual column requirement. Food companies are back at the drawing board to synchronize their nutrition labeling with their target markets. This case study driven session will illustrate how nutrition takes center stage when implementing the new rules and opportunities to mitigate negative impact.

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Nutrient Claims & the New Nutrition Facts

Tracks: Nutrition, Marketing 
Instructor: Caitlin Diederich, Prime Label Consultants

Understand the FDA and USDA requirements for this well-defined set of claims and how the new NFP rule will impact them. Dive into expressed versus implied claims, such as Lean, Low Fat, Sodium, and Omega claims, amongst others. Explore relative claims and Front of Package nutrient claims and the subtleties of their different requirements.

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Nutrient Data and the New NFP: Lab vs. Calculation

Tracks: Nutrition, Expert
Instructor: Amy Hiller, Eddy Packing Company, Inc.

Explore the integrity of the Nutrition Panel by understanding the differences between calculated and analytical methods of producing nutrient data. Discuss the various sources of nutrient data, and issues of nutrient variability. Understand how the new NFP rule will impact lab analysis and your record-keeping systems.

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Organic Claims

Tracks: Marketing, FDA , USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Janel Abro, NSF International

Explore the intricacies of Organic claims, including the certification process, documentation, types of claims and the subtleties of this labeling.

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Product Naming for FDA & USDA Foods

Tracks: FDA , USDA, Marketing
Instructor: Lisa Weller Ashton, MS, Prime Label Consultants

Explore USDA and FDA regulations on product naming and standards of identity. Find out the difference between common and usual, descriptive, standard, and fanciful names and what conventions are required for each. Learn about the components of product names, including many types of qualifiers.

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Proposition 65

Tracks: Expert 
Instructor: Michael Geibelson, Robins Kaplan LLP

For products sold in the state of California, compliance with the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, or Proposition 65, is essential to mitigate litigation risk. Come and learn the important challenges to the published list of substances, recent changes to the clear and reasonable warnings requirements, and how your food or packaging may be impacted.

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Q&A on USDA Label Compliance

Tracks: Nutrition, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Callie Kambanis, Prime Label Consultants

Explore the ins and outs of USDA labeling - such as product names and qualifiers; undefined RACC and nutrient claims; negative, uncured, organic and natural claims. Bring your specific questions on the subtleties of labeling to our industry and PLC experts.

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States Dictating Standards - NEW

Tracks: Expert
Instructor: Ann Begley, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

State efforts to regulate the labeling of food products have exploded with at least half the states pursuing legislation in this area. In response, organizations are suing the states claiming free speech protections and competitive disadvantages. In this session, a legal expert will address current state law activities, the status of lawsuits & federal preemption.

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Third Party Certifications & Claims

Tracks: FDA, USDA, Marketing
Instructor: Jim Riva, Where Food Comes From, Inc.

With more and more consumers demanding independent validation, third party certification (including gluten free, non-GMO, process verification, and ingredient quality claims) is a growing trend. The session will provide an overview of how third party certification programs work, how to find a provider, and manage the process. Learn which claims can be certified and what common certification criteria looks like. Discuss best practices for a certification audit.

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USDA Animal Production, Raising & Grading Claims

Tracks: USDA, Marketing 
Instructor: Savannah Bland, Eddy Packing Company, Inc.

Discuss the complexity of Animal Production and Breed Raising claims such as Cage-Free Poultry, Free-Range, No Added Hormones or Antibiotics, Humanely Raised, Certified Angus and others. Find out the latest in USDA grading claims.

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USDA Export Requirements

Tracks: USDA, Expert 
Instructor: James Chisholm, Import/Export Policy Development Staff, USDA

Discover the latest in USDA export requirements, including the intricacies of customs documentation, online resources & systems, and the new PHIS export module. This session covers USDA export processes, it does not cover individual country's labeling requirements.

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USDA Generic Labeling Update

Tracks: USDA 
Instructor: Debbie Nece, Cargill Protein

Find out the latest enforcement priorities, requirements and best practices for the expanded generic rule. Explore generic eligibility and compliance, and discuss enforcement subtleties with FSIS. Understand what you need to do to keep thorough records and discuss strategies to reduce risk.

What Our Attendees Say

I can’t recommend coming to this conference enough - whether you’re early in your career, mid-career, or late career, because there’s always something new to learn . . .  USDA employees and Prime Label employees can get back to you, and that’s fantastic.
Karen Creswick
Compliance & Labeling Specialist - JMH International
Prime Label is the one source of truth, so I think it’s really important to attend a conference like PLC’s.
Marriott Winchester
Principal - MWW Advisors
It’s not only informative [for] the annual updates, ... the value add that information provides, and the solice you get from speaking directly with the USDA or FDA, ... but it’s really the comradery and the relationships you establish with all the other people that have like questions ... you gain the understanding that everyone is suffering from the same uncertainty and you know that you can actually reach out to not only FSIS but your fellow friends that have the same issues.
Seth Dodds
Regulatory Specialist - Plumrose
I am really excited to be here and to be able to geek out on regulatory.
Elaine Chao
Regulatory Affairs Technologist - Kagome
This conference provides General Sessions with expertise from both Regulators and the Food Industry. In addition, individually tailored small sessions on various issues are explored in detail. The conference has always been a valuable tool for training staff and for interactions with other industry members.
Lamar Hendricks
Director of Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety - Sara Lee Corporation (Retired)
This conference is excellent for networking ...[and] keeping up on the administrative rulings that are coming out, as well as final rules and proposed rules.
Justin Crews
Regulatory and Compliance Manager - Wellshire Farms
I decided to attend the Prime Label Conference this year for the first time because ... I really wanted to get an insight in how companies are thinking through some of the trending regulatory issues facing the food industry today. It is giving me some ideas about how I am going to work with my clients going forward.
Brain Sylvester
Special Counsel - Wiley Rein LLP

ATTENDEE TITLES

REPRESENTATIVE COMPANIES

Corporate Marketing Manager  
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Director of Regulatory & Labeling 
Executive Brand Manager 
Regulatory & Nutrition Manager
Labeling Specialist 

International Marketing Specialist 
Graphic Engineer 
Document Control Administrator 
Global Product Compliance Mgr 
HACCP Coordinator 
Executive Director of R&D
Menu Labeling Manager

Laboratory Director 
General Counsel 
Director of Quality Assurance 
Labeling & Nutrition Program Leader 
Manager - Graphic Process 
Chief Science Officer 
New Product Manager   
Food Technologist / Scientist 
Food Safety Manager  
R&D-Tech Services  
Chief Flavor Officer 
Regulatory Affairs Project Leader  
Label & Claim Substantiation Mgr 
Technical Services Supervisor  
USDA Food Technologist
Vice President of Operations
Chief Quality Officer

Abbott Nutrition 
ADM / Wild Flavors
Advanced Food Systems 
AdvancePierre 
Agra Informa 
Ajinomoto Windsor
Albertsons/Safeway
Amazon.com  
Ambassador Meat
Ameriqual Foods  
Athens Foods 
ATK Foods 
Bellisio Foods 
Berks Packing 
Bernardi Italian Foods 
Boar's Head 
Bob Evans Farms 
Bob's Red Mill  
Buddy's Kitchen 
Burke Corporation 
Butterball 
Campbell Soup
Cargill 
Cavendish Farms 
Classic Foods 
Columbus Foods 
ConAgra Foods 
Congressional Offices 
Cooper Farms 
Creminelli Fine Meats 
CTI Foods
Cuisine Solutions 
Custom Culinary 
Custom Made Meals 
Damascus Bakery 
Diestel Turkey Ranch 
Dunkin Brands
EAS Consulting Group 
Ed Miniat 
Eddy Packing 
Engelhart Gourmet
FDA/CFSAN 
Flying Food Group
FoodMinds

Fresh and Easy 
Fresh Creative Foods 
Fresh Mark 
Frisch's Restaurants 
Frontera Foods 
Frozen Specialties 
FTC
Gamay Food Ingredients
General Mills 
Gerber 
Giorgio Foods 
Givaudan 
Flavors 
GNP Company 
Golden State Foods 
Griffith Laboratories 
Hans Kissle 
Harry and David
H-E-B
Hillshire Brands 
Hormel 
Hot Mama's Foods 
Illes Seasonings & Flavors 
Indiana Packers 
Int'l Flavors & Fragrances 
ILSI 
InterTribal Buffalo Council 
J & J Snack Foods
Jack Link Snacks 
Jennie-O Turkey  
JMH International 
Johanna Foods 
Johnsonville Sausage 
Jones Dairy Farm 
JRS USA
JTM Food Group
Kayem Foods 
Kellogg Company 
Kerry
Ketchum
Keystone Foods

King Arthur Flour  
Koch Foods 
Kraft Heinz 
Krogers 
Label Insight
Lifespice Ingredients 
Little Lady Foods 
Lopez Foods 
Lower Foods 
Luvo 
Malt-O-Meal 
Maple Leaf Farms 
Maple Leaf Foods
McCain Foods
McDonald's
McKee Foods 
MegaMex Foods 
Meijer 
Monogram
Morgan Foods 
Morgan Lewis & Bockius 
National Beef 
Next Phase
Nestle 
Newly Weds Foods 
Niman Ranch 
Noodles & Company 
NAMI 
Nosherei 
NSF International
Oberto Brands 
Organic Valley 
Overhill Farms 
Pacific Natural Foods 
Paige Food Service 
Perdue Foods 
Phillips Resources 
Pilgrim's Pride 
Pinnacle Foods 
Plumrose USA 
Politico 
Publix Super Markets
Quaker Maid Meats 
Ready Pac Foods

Reinhart Foodservice 
Request Foods 
Reser's Fine Foods 
Rich Products 
Ruiz Food Products 
Sanderson Farms 
Sargento Foods
Schwan's 
Seaboard Foods 
Sensient Flavors 
Settlers Jerky 
SGK 
sgsco
Skyline Chili 
Smithfield Foods 
Sopakco Foods 
Southeastern Mills 
Stampede Meat 
Subway
Sun-Maid
Supervalu
Sysco
Target 
Taylor Farms 
The Suter Company 
Topco
Trader Joe's
Twinings
Tyson Foods 
Unilever 
USDA/AMS 
USDA/FSIS
Vantage Foods 
Vaughan Foods 
Vienna Beef 
Wayne Farms 
Wegmans Markets 
Wellshire Farms
Where Food Comes  
Whitsons Culinary 
Whole Foods Market 
Wild Flavors 
Windsor Foods 
Wisdom Natural

Invited Speakers & Moderators *


* Preliminary list of speakers & moderators - typically we have over 50 professionals from government and industry presenting topics at the Food Label Conference.

Elizabeth Sanger, Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC

Richard Boyd, USDA-AMS, Child Nutrition Division

Trish Tung-Tayman, USDA-AMS, Child Nutrition Division

Rosalyn Murphy-Jenkins, Director of LPDS, USDA-FSIS

Jeff Canavan, Deputy Director of LPDS, USDA-FSIS

Philip Bronstien, Assistant Administrator, USDA-FSIS

Tammie Ballard, USDA-FSIS 

Beth McKew, USDA-FSIS 

Melinda Mallon, USDA-FSIS

Tawana Harrington, USDA-FSIS

Janice Fabina, USDA-FSIS

Kierra Lucas, USDA-FSIS

Janice Watkins, USDA-FSIS

Jessica Forshee, PhD, IEPDS, USDA-FSIS

Robert Hibbert, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

Ann Begley, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

Katelyn Hilferty, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

Ryan Fournier, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP

Tony Pavel, Cargill

Debbie Nece, Cargill

Jen Dadak, Campbell Soup

Kantha Shelke, PhD, Corvus Blue LLC

Patricia Phillips, Phillips Resources
Lisa Cummins, FONA

Tom Hofer, PurFoods, LLC

Sarah Levy, FoodMinds

Jennifer Kiebles, McCain Foods USA
Brian P. Sylvester, Foley & Lardner LLP

Michael Geibelson, Robins Kaplan LLP
John Dillard, OFW Law
Savannah Bland, Eddy Packing Company, Inc.
Phil Daniel, TechLinkUSA
Fabiola Montero, TechLinkUSA

Evangelia Pelonis, Keller and Heckman LLP

James Riva, Where Food Comes From, Inc

Justin Crews, Wellshire Farms

Richard Young, Senior Food Industry Professional

Brittany LaSota, Topco Associates LLC

Brian DiCrescenzo, Topco Associates LLC

Jonathan Havens, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP

Erin Taraborrelli, NSF International

Tom Chestnut, NSF International

Jared Bock, Resers

Jonathan Lackie, Quality Assurance International

Amy Hiller, Eddy Packing Company, Inc.

Janis Hochstetler, State of Iowa

Fernanda Almeida, Nestle

Amy White, Walmart

Christina Bechtold, Prime Label Consultants

Jesse Zuehlke, PhD, Prime Label Consultants

Fred Mosher, Prime Label Consultants

Lisa Ashton, Prime Label Consultants

Caitlin Diederich, Prime Label Consultants

Taylor Hart, Prime Label Consultants

Callie Kambanis, Prime Label Consultants

Celia Yau, Prime Label Consultants

ADD-ON TRAINING *

USDA Labeling Basics

Wednesday June 17th & Friday June 19th & Monday June 22nd (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT - 6 hours in three, 2-hour sessions)
Tracks: USDA 
Instructors: Lisa Weller Ashton, MS, & Callie Kambanis, Prime Label Consultants

USDA labeling can be very confusing with many different sources for rules, policies, and regulations. Stakes can be high with generic labels no longer having FSIS's stamp of approval. In addition, local inspectors are giving added scrutiny to labels, and the risk of Noncompliance Records is greater than ever. Learn the fundamentals of USDA labeling in this seminar. Our seminar covers:

  • Details of required and optional label features
  • How to obtain the appropriate type of approval - sketch, generic, or temporary
  • Essential record keeping ​practices and completing the 7234​-1​ ​form ​to assure rapid approvals and successful ​label ​audits
  • Picking a product name - standardized, common or usual, descriptive, and fanciful​ - and ​required ​product name qualifiers
  • ​Considerations for nutrition labeling and the current regulatory status for USDA
  • Ingredient ​declaration requirements and labeling of specific types of ingredients (e.g. spices, flavors)​
  • Restricted ingredients and how to calculate the appropriate levels to assure compliance
  • Special statements and claims

...and much more!

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Labeling and Marketing Claims - NEW

Wednesday June 17th & Friday June 19th & Monday June 22nd (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT - 6 hours in three, 2-hour sessions)
Tracks: Marketing, FDA, USDA, Expert 
Instructor: Jesse Zuehlke, PhD, General Manager, Prime Label Consultants

Ensuring compliance and substantiation of new product claims is challenging. Labeling and marketing claims represent some of the best opportunities to differentiate and promote your product, but there is always a risk of warning letters and other enforcement when not managed correctly. Learn best practices from Prime Label’s visibility into emerging market trends. This session will cover:

  • Nutrient & health claims, requirements & common pitfalls
  • Organic, animal production & grading claims
  • Allergens, natural & ingredient claims
  • Product naming trends & processing claims
  • Romance copy, vignettes & website best practices

...and much more!

This important session is designed to help determine new potential claims for your items, and how to apply them within FDA and USDA requirements.

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European Union Labeling (and Brexit) - What's Next? - NEW

Wednesday June 3rd (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT - one half day)
Tracks: Expert
Instructor: Jackie Healing, NSF International

European Union food labeling is highly regulated and the requirements are set out by European law. Discover the complexities and gain an insight into EU labeling regulations, understanding specifics on complex areas such as claims and mandatory requirements. This seminar will have a focus on recent and future EU developments and the possible implications of Brexit for the UK. Learn and identify key differences between EU and US labelling. This seminar covers:

  • The regulations that govern food labeling in the EU
  • Mandatory label features including compliant common names
  • Regulations on claims, such as organic
  • Standardized and non-standardized products
  • Key differences with US labeling
  • Upcoming changes to the EU labeling regulations
  • European Union enforcement and real case studies
  • Possible implications for the UK coming out of  the EU

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    Latin and South American Labeling - NEW

    Monday June 8th (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT - one half day)
    Tracks: Expert
    Instructor: Phil Daniel, TechLink International

    Mexico has recently updated their food labeling requirements and all food labels need to compliant with the latest requirements by 2021.  This is a substantial change where every food item will need to be updated to meet the new standard.  This seminar covers:

    • Differences between current labeling requirements and new labeling requirements
    • New front labeling requirements
    • New product description requirements
    • Nutritional panel guidance
    • Labeling requirements for individual units

    ...and much more!

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    School Lunch (CN) Labeling

    Wednesday June 10th & Friday June 12th (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT - 6 hours in two, 3-hour sessions)
    Tracks: Nutrition, FDA, USDA, Expert 
    Instructor: Patricia Phillips, Phillips Resources 

    The Trump administration has recently changed US school lunch requirements. Come learn about these changes as well as get a primer on complicated, highly specialized Child Nutrition regulations. Learn the what, how and why of CN labeling and Product Formulation Statements in this full day seminar, as well as alternatives to a CN label.

    Taught by Patricia Phillips of Phillips Resources, this seminar covers:

    • Calculating product formulation credit towards school lunch requirement
    • Provision for enriched grain products
    • Writing, revising & monitoring the required quality control program
    • Obtaining a CN number
    • Applying for & streamlining your CN label approvals -What is required on the CN label and 7234 form
    • Documentation requirements for purchased ingredients
    • Updates on unpublished changes in policy
    • Web resources – what is relevant and how to find it

    ...and much more!

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    Food Service, HRI, and Not-For-Retail Labeling - NEW

    Wednesday June 24th (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT - one half day)
    Tracks: Expert 
    Instructor: Lisa Weller Ashton, MS, Prime Label Consultants

    Products manufactured for Food Service - hotels, restaurants, and institutions - are not always subject to the same requirements as retail packaged labeling. Labeling for other not-for-retail items can also be a challenge due to limited regulatory information. With a scarcity of agency guidance, this session will review some regulatory requirements, but focus on industry expectations and best practices for HRI,  not-for-retail, and other retail distribution channels. This seminar covers:

    • Food Service / HRI labeling considerations
    • Exceptions to requirements for labeling features
    • Labeling shipping containers and WIP product
    • Sample and experimental labels
    • Differentiating “grab & go,” meal kits, menu labeling, and online retail labeling

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      Join this half day session to focus on discussion and best-practices for labeling items outside conventional retail sale.

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      Label Graphics: from NFPs to Names to Claims, and more

      Monday June 15 (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT - one half day)
      Tracks: Marketing 
      Instructors: Brian DiCrescenzo & Brittany LaSota, Topco Associates LLC

      FDA and USDA food label regulations have stringent content requirements and must comply with size, color, language, and location rules. In addition, the new nutrition facts panel is 5% to 100% larger than existing formats, which creates challenges fitting all label features on a package. In this half day seminar, learn tips and tricks for graphic design of food labels in the United States:

      • FDA & USDA mandatory label formatting requirements
      • Requirements for font prominence, feature placement, and relative size rules
      • New NFP Graphics - type style and size, use of boldface, lines and bars, arrangement of Information, column headings, footnote, alignment and indentations
      • Claims formatting

      ...and much more!

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      Canadian Labeling

      Thursday June 4th & Friday June 5th (12:00 pm - 3:00 pm EDT - 6 hours in two, 3-hour sessions)
      Tracks: Expert 
      Instructor: Erin Taraborrelli, NSF International

      Canada has recently updated its food labeling requirements. In addition, it is up to food manufacturers to ensure their product labels are compliant before they go to market, and the regulations can be difficult to interpret. Learn the regulations that govern food labeling in Canada, the differences with US labeling and CFIA enforcement. This seminar covers:

      • The regulations that govern food labeling in Canada
      • Mandatory label features including compliant common names
      • Regulations on claims including nutrient content, organic, Non-GMO
      • Standardized and non-standardized products
      • Differences with US labeling
      • Upcoming changes to the labeling regulations
      • CFIA enforcement

      ...and much more!

      LOGISTICS

      Pricing

      Main Conference: June - July, 2020

      $1,495 Regular Registration
      $1,695 Late Registration (after May 15)

      Add-On Training: June 3 - July 1, 2020

      $995/day* (6 hour training)
      $695/day* (3 hour training)

      *Savings of $300 off the second or more training            

      Sponsor