This panel session focused on FDA’s recent guidance and industry engagement on allergens, including the agency’s current thinking on labeling, enforcement, and thresholds, as well as provided insight on how global regulatory bodies are approaching allergen management. Attendees learned more about how the growing regulatory focus on allergens may have an impact on operations and also walked through how allergen risk assessments may be conducted for spices.

Helena Bottemiller Evich, editor-in-chief of Food Fix, examined survey data showing bipartisan support for initiatives within the Make American Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, including childhood nutrition programs and food additive restrictions. She also highlighted the role of social media in advancing MAHA initiative and exerting pressure on federal and state regulatory authorities to align with the broader MAHA strategy.