Food & Beverage Litigation & Regulatory Update

Category: Legislation, Regulations and Standards

  • ASA Denies Doritos Ad Complaint

    The U.K. Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has declined to uphold a complaint arguing that Walkers Snacks targeted children under 16 with a product high in fat, salt or sugar by showing an advertisement for Doritos before YouTube videos. The complaint asserted that the “media or context” of the ad targeted children under 16, but ASA…

  • Mass. Governor Vetoes Raw Milk Bill

    Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has vetoed a state environmental bond bill containing a provision that would allow raw milk sales at farm stands and via home delivery, citing a need for stricter regulation of raw milk. “Consumption of unpasteurized milk can result in foodborne illness and possible death due to bacterial infections, especially among infants,…

  • Restaurant Straw Restriction Moves Forward in California

    The California Senate has reportedly passed legislation that would prohibit dine-in restaurant employees from offering patrons plastic straws. The restriction, which passed 25-12, would allow for the provision of straws if customers ask for them. Critics of the measure in the legislature purportedly argue that the effects of plastic straws are “a bit overstated,” with…

  • In-N-Out Sends Brewer Cease-and-Desist for “In-N-Stout”

    In-N-Out Burger has reportedly warned brewery Seven Stills that its forthcoming In-N-Stout beer violates the company’s trademarks and trade dress. Seven Stills promoted the beer, a “Neapolitan milkshake stout,” on its social media with a photo of a can featuring red lettering and a yellow arrow similar to In-N-Out’s logo. The brewery also posted a…

  • ASA Upholds Complaints Against Ads Targeting Children

    The U.K. Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has upheld the Obesity Health Alliance’s complaints against advertisements for Kellogg Coco Pops Granola and a KFC milkshake. The organization asserted that both companies targeted ads for a product high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS) to an audience under 16. The ad for Kellogg’s Coco Pops Granola ran…

  • Spain Seizes Illegally Colored Tuna

    In collaboration with EUROPOL, Spain’s environmental protection service has seized 45 tons of tuna illegally treated with color-enhancing substances. The tuna was frozen and acceptable for canned use, but four individuals were recoloring the fish and selling it as fresh, according to the investigators. The alleged perpetrators face up to four years in prison for…

  • Hydrox Maker Files FTC Complaint on Alleged Mondelez Tactics

    Leaf Brands, which manufactures and sells Hydrox cookies, has reportedly filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleging anti-competitive practices by Mondelez, which produces Oreos. In a social media post, Leaf Brands alleges that Mondelez has been “undertaking a national program to damage our brand and stop us from competing,” including “trying to…

  • Interior Dept. to Allow GMO Cultivation on National Lands

    The U.S. Department of the Interior has reportedly withdrawn a 2014 memorandum prohibiting the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in National Wildlife Refuge areas. “There may be situations [] where use of GMO crop seeds is essential to best fulfill the purposes of the refuge and the needs of birds and other wildlife as…