A massive wave of consumer class actions targeting food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers is sweeping across industries as the plaintiffs' bar aggressively targets product labeling and advertising under California's consumer protection statutes. Companies should be aware of these practices and develop a plan to lessen the risk of receiving such claims.
The closing session of the 2023 Food Safety Summit featured a panel discussion among prominent attorneys who work on behalf of consumers and industry—with all advocating on the side of food safety. Expert lawyers discussed the common gaps and weaknesses they see in company operations, culture, and regulatory adherence that lead to adverse events, such as foodborne illness outbreaks and recalls.
The 2022 Food Safety Summit opened with a mock civil trial focusing on a fatal listeriosis outbreak. The workshop was led by attorneys from Food Industry Counsel LLC and included witness testimony, cross-examination, and a jury of conference attendees.
On October 17, 2018, Canada nationally legalized medical and recreational cannabis use for adults. In doing so, that country has set the stage for significant R&D of legal cannabis edibles and beverages—often with the help of U.S. investors.
Many members of the traditional food and beverage industry—in both manufacturing and from the supply chain—have been reluctant to enter the market due to incongruences related to federal vs. state legal status, the unfamiliarity of the territory, restrictive banking options for legal cannabis businesses, limits imposed on advertising and social media, and other hurdles.