Law & Order and Labels
In recent years, consumers have increasingly become a de facto regulatory agency by harnessing the power of the courts
Pop Quiz: Who regulates food?
You’re probably going through an alphabet soup of agencies in your head right now and you wouldn’t be wrong. FDA, USDA, FTC, state and local agencies all play a role in regulating the food we eat. But how many of you thought of the consumer?
In recent years, consumers have increasingly become a de facto regulatory agency by harnessing the power of the courts. Statements on your labels that may pass muster with the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies are falling afoul of consumer expectations, and consumers are seeking, and sometimes obtaining, redress in the courts. Although there have been some more promising rulings lately suggesting that some courts at least are beginning to rein in these types of claims, food manufacturers should nevertheless be vigilant.
Read Jennifer's full article in Quality Assurance & Food Safety magazine.
