U.S. Food and Beverage Law Trends and Takeaways 2023

This document is a report summarizing the significant issues that impacted the U.S. food and beverage industry in 2023, with an emphasis on trends in food and beverage law for the upcoming year. Key topics include the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), scrutiny of heavy metals in foods, and trends in class action litigation regarding labeling claims. The report details the federal and state responses to PFAS, including proposed regulations and legal actions against manufacturers. It outlines the ongoing legal scrutiny concerning heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, in food products, highlighting specific cases and regulatory actions. The report also discusses the revival of class action lawsuits focusing on health claims in food advertising, noting the increasing skepticism from courts regarding the validity of these claims. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal landscape affecting the food and beverage sector as it prepares for future developments.