By the numbers: Examining the cost of the pandemic on the meat industry

Over the last eight months, some of the largest companies have spent millions to deal with the coronavirus and seen thousands of workers get infected, while meat supply and pricing fluctuate.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 19, 2020

OSHA comes under fire for 'paltry' fines and lax guidance to meat plants

While critics call the citations "less than a slap on the wrist," companies including Smithfield and JBS have denounced the fines, saying they followed the agency's recommendations for the pandemic once they were available.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 17, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Food Dive

The food and beverage industry is changing rapidly and the actions companies take this year are likely to play a major role in defining their future. 

By Food Dive staff

Food and beverage groups ask White House for priority on COVID-19 vaccines

Fifteen trade associations sent President Donald Trump a letter asking for a federally regulated vaccine distribution program and prioritization for their members once it comes out. 

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 13, 2020

Stampede Meat sues New Mexico to fight plant closure order

The state health department told it to shutter for two weeks after at least six workers tested positive for the coronavirus, but the company is arguing in court that it violates President Trump's executive order.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 11, 2020

What could Biden's win mean for the CPG industry?

The Consumer Brands Association outlined its expectations for the new administration, saying it could lead to policy shifts in regulation and the federal response to COVID-19, but uncertainty on the legislative front.

By Jessi Devenyns • Nov. 10, 2020

FDA publishes sesame labeling draft guidance

While the government has not yet concluded the seed is a top allergen, this document, which would ask for voluntary disclosure of the ingredient, indicates a change may be on the way.

By Megan Poinski • Nov. 10, 2020

Judge rules GMO salmon needs more environmental assessment, but can still be sold

The first batch of the fast-growing AquAdvantage fish, which is the first genetically modified animal product to be federally approved, is set to be harvested and marketed this year.

By Megan Poinski • Nov. 9, 2020

Lawmaker calls for probe into JBS' government subsidies

Rep. Rosa DeLauro​ sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue renewing her calls for an investigation after the meatpacker's parent company pleaded guilty to violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. 

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 4, 2020

COVID-19 and our food: Temporary change or a new normal?

The pandemic has made significant changes in what consumers eat, how they buy it and their feelings about food safety. Joseph Clayton of the International Food Information Council discusses some of the group's latest survey results.

By Joseph Clayton • Nov. 4, 2020

Avoiding the aura of fraud in organic certification

Organic food is big business, and regulations — both required and voluntary — are there to protect the seal's integrity. Erin Westbrook and Matthew Veenstra of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr explain how suppliers can get products through the system.

By Erin Westbrook and Matthew Veenstra • Nov. 3, 2020

OSHA fines JBS, Conagra for violations during pandemic

A Missouri Conagra facility was cited with a $2,121 proposed penalty for its record-keeping, while a JBS plant in Wisconsin was fined $13,494 for workplace issues, including employees working too close.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 29, 2020

Using science to progress food's future: Q&A with the VP of the Mars Advanced Research Institute

The industry has opportunities for innovation, food safety and increasing food security. Abi Stevenson talks about how her division is using research to try and improve all of those things — and more.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 29, 2020

Child labor in cocoa production rises despite industry promises, report says

In Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, it increased 14% between the 2009 and 2019 harvest seasons, while overall cocoa production went up 62%, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and University of Chicago.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 22, 2020

Former Blue Bell CEO indicted on charges of covering up 2015 listeria outbreak

While charges against Paul Kruse were initially dismissed, he is now being accused of wire fraud and conspiracy by a federal grand jury.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 22, 2020

Alcohol needs to carry a cancer warning, public health groups urge government

This is not the first time advocates have requested regulators reevaluate the warning label, but the current push provides fresh evidence that it may be gaining momentum.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 22, 2020

Elections have consequences: How a Biden win could reshape the food policy agenda

If the former vice president wins the White House, there will be significant changes in regulatory priorities and a new focus on larger issues impacting the industry, writes Sean McBride of DSM Strategic Communications.

By Sean McBride • Oct. 19, 2020

FDA to examine labeling for some alternative sweeteners

The agency may be opening the door to additional reform with other sugar substitutes as it tries to figure out how they fit into the Nutrition Facts panel.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 19, 2020

Pilgrim's Pride agrees to $110.5M fine in chicken price-fixing plea deal

The company will be the first to plead guilty in court to allegations of conspiring to inflate broiler chicken prices, which have engrossed the poultry industry in recent years. 

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 14, 2020

Goya invests $80M to expand plant as demand for its products grows

The family-owned maker of Hispanic foods has benefited from increased interest in ethnic offerings and a resurgence in home eating during the pandemic.

By Jessi Devenyns • Oct. 14, 2020

Tofurky sues Louisiana over plant-based meat labeling law

Several states have passed similar labeling measures targeting the plant-based meat industry, but they have not held up well when challenged in court.

By Megan Poinski • Oct. 12, 2020

PBR cannabis-infused seltzer launches in California

Pabst Labs was granted the rights to create these drinks under the brand's name. Each nonalcoholic beverage contains 5 milligrams of THC, 4 grams of sugar and 25 calories.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 8, 2020

4 Pilgrim's Pride execs and Koch Foods charged with chicken price fixing

The new indictments are the latest in the U.S. Justice Department's investigation into what it calls a conspiracy to suppress and eliminate competition in poultry.

By Lillianna Byington • Updated July 29, 2021

Where they stand: Political donations from 10 of the largest food and beverage makers

Companies appear to be sitting out of the heated election cycle as contributions across the board dropped this year, with Democrats receiving 30% less and the GOP and trade group PACs seeing a 50% drop.

By Christopher Doering • Oct. 5, 2020

Revol Greens raises $68M to build an 80-acre lettuce greenhouse

The funding will be used to open the world's largest indoor greens production facility in Texas and bring the company's annual production to 33 million pounds.

By Jessi Devenyns • Sept. 28, 2020

The Kraft Heinz procurement overhaul is here

Chief Procurement Officer Marcos Eloi outlined four areas he's working to transform: sourcing, manufacturing, centralization and product development. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 28, 2020