Food & Chemicals Unpacked

Extended Producer Responsibility: EPR You Ready?

The topic of this episode is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging materials, which have begun to proliferate in the U.S. Four states have now implemented EPR programs, others have proposed legislation, and more states are expected to follow suit in the years to come.
Keller and Heckman Partner Rachel Bond joins our hosts to discuss EPR and related sustainability issues. Rachel provides insight into regulations, requirements, and exemptions in place for current EPR programs. Associate Caleb Holland also reports on EPR legislation, both at the federal and state level.

Blowing Smoke: FDA’s Evolving Regulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Products

This episode details the regulatory landscape for tobacco products and reports on current trends in the industry. Our team shares its knowledge of the process for obtaining authorization to market new tobacco products in the U.S. We also provide the inside scoop on industry-shaping litigation that Keller and Heckman has led. Finally, the episode discusses recent changes at FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products and how the changes might impact industry.

Off the Shelf: An Inside Look at the Infant Formula Shortage

In this episode, we discuss the current shortage of infant formula in the U.S. with Food and Drug Partner Rick Stearns. In February 2022, a recall of infant formula produced at a single U.S. facility contributed to a major shortage in the infant formula market. To date, FDA continues its efforts to mitigate the effects of this shortage. As the disruptions to infant formula supply now show signs of easing, we look into the underlying causes, trajectory, and FDA intervention. The episode covers FDA oversight of infant formula manufacturing, aimed at ensuring that consumers are presented with safe and quality products that provide suitable nutritional content. Our team also discusses the lasting impact these events may have on the market.

Chasing Arrows – The EU’s Plastic Recycling Scheme

Our second episode discusses an important development in Europe – a revision to the European Union’s rules on the use of recycled plastics in food packaging.  This new law completely revamps how plastics recycling is regulated in Europe and will impact the entire supply chain, from recyclers to packaging manufacturers, and even everyday consumers. Our team also walks through some recent news on PFAS, some FDA pronouncements on genome-edited beef cattle and guacamole, as well as a major action by the sugar industry.

PFAS and Furious

Welcome to the first episode of Food & Chemicals Unpacked! Today’s episode focuses on the regulation of PFAS in food packaging applications. This incredibly important issue affects a huge number of products in various markets.  We provide an overview of these chemistries and summarize developments in the United States at both the Federal and State level on PFAS regulation.  Additionally, our team discusses some of the recent trade press that impacts food, e-cigarettes and the chemical industry.  

Trailer: Food & Chemicals Unpacked

An introduction to our a la carte podcast covering all things relating to the food and chemical industries.  Food & Chemicals Unpacked will help you dig into the legal requirements and science surrounding food, packaging, chemicals, tobacco products, and much more.  Learn how these products are regulated and insights on current news and developments in this space.