At the 2026 Annual Meeting Pre-Conference Symposium, Elevating Spices in Today’s Health-Focused Food Regulatory Landscape explored how spices can play a pivotal role in the evolution of U.S. food policy, including in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) priorities. From health policy to regulatory trends, consumer research, and practical applications of using spices for color and as alternatives to salt and sugar, attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how the spice sector can naturally add flavor and color to whole, healthy foods.

This was presented alongside a panel discussing how many leading CPG companies have announced plans to phase out synthetic colors in their flagship food products.  Maile Gradison with Hogan and Lovells presented "Opportunities and Considerations for Use of Spices as Alternatives to Synthetic Colors: Legal Considerations,” which provided perspectives on regulatory considerations, market pressures, practical issues, and strategies for reformulating foods and beverages with spices and spice derivatives.