LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - Evaluation of FDA Human Foods Program Finds Culture of “Constant Turmoil” - An independent review commissioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Human Foods Program...more
A Ninth Circuit panel recently affirmed dismissal of a putative consumer class action alleging Trader Joe’s misleadingly labeled its store brand honey as “100% New Zealand Manuka Honey,” where plaintiffs’ pollen content...more
The Ninth Circuit last month upheld a trial court’s decision to dismiss a false advertising lawsuit against Trader Joe’s concerning the store’s labeling of its Manuka honey. The case, Moore et al. v. Trader Joe’s Co., Case...more
This week, we take a look at a decision addressing what a “reasonable” consumer will know in purchasing a product (and distinguishing the Seventh Circuit in the process), and at another assessing the legality of Washington’s...more
In a unanimous precedential decision, a Ninth Circuit panel recently affirmed the dismissal of a putative class action against Trader Joe’s, which alleged that the statement “Up to 5% Retained Water” on Trader Joe’s poultry...more
On June 4, 2021, a panel of judges from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of consumer poultry labeling claims against Trader Joe’s on the ground that those claims were federally preempted. The consumer...more
A magistrate judge in the Northern District of California recently dismissed a putative class action alleging that Trader Joe’s misled its consumers about the purity of its manuka honey. Moore v. Trader Joe’s Co., No....more
The Cannabis Conundrum: The Evolving Landscape & Risk Mitigation for Hemp & CBD - The cannabis industry, including marijuana, hemp and cannabidiol (CBD), is complex and rapidly evolving. Shook Partners Mike Barnett,...more
LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - FDA Provides Update on Antimicrobial Resistance - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s September 14, 2018, remarks delivered at...more
LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - FDA Commissioner Questions Milk Standards Enforcement - At a speaking engagement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb reportedly expressed that the...more
LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS & STANDARDS - California Bans New Soda Taxes - California Governor Jerry Brown has signed the Keep Groceries Affordable Act, a statute preventing local agencies in the state from imposing taxes...more
FDA Issues Supplemental Guidance for Menu Nutrition Labels - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the availability of “Menu Labeling: Supplemental Guidance for Industry,” which includes an advisory of...more
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has announced new food safety recommendations for managing the risk of arsenic in rice and efforts to reduce pathogens in meat and poultry products. Following a request to...more
Agriculture Committee Introduces 2018 Farm Bill - The U.S. House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee has introduced the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Farm Bill). ...more
Kelly v. Cameron’s Coffee and Distribution Company, No. 1816-CV00470 (Mo. Cir. Ct. – Jackson Cnty.): Putative class action asserting violations of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. Plaintiff alleges that Defendant...more
RECENT SIGNIFICANT FILINGS - Courts Lift Stays After FDA Stalls in Giving Guidance on ECJ - Perera v. Pac. Foods of Or., Inc., No. 3:14-cv-2074 (N.D. Cal.): In this putative class action alleging violations of...more
In This Issue: - Recent Significant Developments and Rulings ..Smart Balance Milk Labeling Suit Not Preempted ..Mott’s “No Sugar Added” Labeling Lawsuit Narrowed ..Court Preliminarily Approves Trader...more
Judges in the Northern District of California can’t agree on what is required to state a claim under the “unlawful prong” of California’s Unfair Competition Law (UCL). Judge Orrick’s recent decisions in a pair of food...more
In This Issue: - Court Rules that Yogurt Dispute Belongs Before the FDA - Conclusory Allegations that Advertising is “False and Misleading” Fail Minimum Pleading Standards - 5-Hour Energy Authorized To Sue...more