Regulation

Yoplait owns a number of children's yoghurt brands including Petits Filous and Frubes. Credit: Yoplait

Interview

Yoplait: Narrative around children’s yoghurt must change

By William Dodds

More than 1m children in the UK are at risk of their development being impacted because they lack nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, according to a new report from kids’ yoghurt manufacturer Yoplait.

We mustn't forget our most important trading partner, says the FDF. Credit: Getty/Studio1222

News

UK import and export trade snapshot

By Bethan Grylls

The trade report from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which assessed the period between January and December 2023, warns that new trade barrier rules could reverse export growth.

Welsh Lamb EU exports sees healthy year-on-year rises, but will new regulatory red tape put UK sheep exports at risk? Credit: Getty/Henry Arden

News

Welsh Lamb exports booming

By Bethan Grylls

Exports of Welsh Lamb and other sheep meats have grown again, whilst beef exports continue to recover.

The Government's new immigration rules risk throwing the meat industry into disarray, warned the BMPA. Image: Getty

News

Meat industry hits out at new immigration rules

By Gwen Ridler

The Government’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ £38,700 immigration rule will stoke food price inflation and spark a raft of equal pay claims that risk tearing the food industry apart, according to the head of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA).

Burger King has been ordered to pull down ads for its products over fears they maybe reaching under-16s

News

Burger King ad slammed for advertising to children

By Gwen Ridler

Fast food chain Burger King has been ordered to pull a recent advertising campaign offline over fears it might be promoting foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) to children under the age of 16.

Rebecca Ironmonger explains how the proposed Digital Marketing, Competition and Consumers Bill will alter the legal landscape of green claims. Credit: Getty/Michał Chodyra

Legal Brief

The legalities of eco-labelling and ‘green’ claims on food products

By Rebecca Ironmonger

There has been a rapid increase in the use of eco-labels and claims by businesses that they or their products are environmentally friendly – a result of consumer interest in how their spending is impacting the planet. Rebecca Ironmonger of Roythornes...

The new border rules could cause a major fresh fruit fiasco. Credit: Getty/Studio1222

Short read

BTOM breakdown: Your checklist for 31 January

By Bethan Grylls

This Wednesday 31 January 2024 will see the UK roll out the first stage of its new border rules – here’s what you need to know and why so businesses are worried...

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive will significantly change the way companies approach ESG. Credit: Getty/MTStock Studio

Short read

How the Due Diligence Directive will impact food and drink producers

By Bethan Grylls

Last December saw the informal agreement from EU Parliament and Council negotiators on new corporative sustainability rules, but what does this mean for food and drink manufacturers and suppliers and their current way of approaching ESG?

How prepared are you for the changes coming to UK borders? Credit: Getty/PCH-Vector

Opinion

New UK border controls may cause anarchy

By Andrew Thurston

Long-awaited changes to border controls on the import of animals, food and flowers from the EU into the UK may cause significant disruption to trade if suppliers in the EU are not sufficiently prepared. Andrew Thurston, customs duty lead for MHA explores.

One area to watch closely over the coming year is green claims, says Leatherhead Food Research's Mariko Kubo. Credit: Getty/Ian Nolan

Short read

Manufacturers fret over Green Claims regulation

By Bethan Grylls

Last year’s October Business Leaders revealed that many in the food and beverage processing sector are feeling overwhelmed by regulation. Among the new raft of guidance and laws coming into effect are the proposals around green claims.

Almost a third of UK adults don’t want plant-based food that looks like an animal product. Credit: Getty/ArtMarie

News

Time to ditch the plant-based copycats?

By Bethan Grylls

Almost a third of UK adults don’t want plant-based food that resembles their animal counterparts, finds research commissioned by law firm Browne Jacobson.

Legal expert Katrina Anderson highlights UK regulation to be aware of this year. Credit: Getty/Jonathan Knowles

Legal Brief

Four laws to keep an eye on in 2024

By Katrina Anderson

Katrina Anderson, commercial and regulatory lawyer and associate director at international legal practice, Osborne Clarke, highlights several regulations to be mindful of this new year.

Members of the meat industry share their Christmas wishes Image: Getty, Dan Brownsword

Opinion

Meat industry shares its Christmas wishes

By Gwen Ridler

With the new year rapidly approaching, we ask members of the meat processing industry to tell us their Christmas wishes and what new developments they’re hoping for the sector in 2024.

As 2024 looms, our editor highlights several key moments of 2023. Credit: Getty/smshoot

Long read

7 big moments of 2023 for food and drink

By Bethan Grylls

As we usher in the new year, Bethan Grylls takes a look back over the course of 2023 and flags seven key moments for the food and drink industry.

Danone, Synergy Flavors and LoSalt speak to Food Manufacture about reformulation. Credit: Top - Danone/Bottom - Synergy Flavors

Feature

Food and drink reformulation: the story so far

By Bethan Grylls

Accelerated by the health-conscious consumer and new UK rules, food and drink producers have been working hard to reformulate their recipes. But what have been the obstacles in their way, is there any benefit to these tweaks, and will it help curb obesity?

Our recent webinar sponsored by Infor looked at how you can expand your business for profitable growth - here are the takeaways...Credit: Getty/Ralf Hahn

Long read

How to grow your business successfully

By Bethan Grylls

Profitable growth is every organisation’s dream – but it usually comes with a raft of challenges. So how do you navigate growth and expansion, with the best chances of profit at the end?

We hear from the legal experts at Tenet Law on bribery in the supply chain. Credit: Getty/Andrew Brookes

Feature

How to deal with bribery in your supply chain

By Arun Chauhan and Esther Phillips

The importance of having robust supply chains cannot be overstated, as recent geopolitical and societal events cause widespread disruption on a scale not seen in recent history.

Natasha's Law came into effect two years ago. Credit: Getty/nathaphat

Short read

The impact of Natasha’s Law – two years on

By Bethan Grylls

Yesterday (1 October 2023) marked two years since Natasha’s Law came into force. Here, Rebecca Ironmonger of Roythornes Solicitors’ food regulatory team takes a look at what the impact has been of the law since its implementation.

Don't miss this year's Food Safety Briefing. Credit: Getty/MiguelMalo

News

Don’t miss our 2023 Food Safety Briefing

By Bethan Grylls

This year’s Food Safety Briefing theme is science and data – with four special guest experts from Mars Global Food Safety Center, the Food Standards Agency, Unibloc, and Imprint Analytics joining us to share their knowledge.

What am I entitled to if made redundant? Credit: Getty/WillSelarep

Legal Brief

What you may be entitled to when made redundant

By Alan Lewis

Alan Lewis, partner and employment solicitor at Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers, outlines your rights as an employee and what business owners must do when it comes to redundancies.

The UK has been over reliant on EU-trained vets historically, but regulation post-Brexit has added a spanner in the works. Credit:Getty/andresr

Long read

Solving the UK vet shortage

By Bethan Grylls

Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the UK’s veterinary sector was hit hard. Now, shortages threaten food safety risks and delays at borders – so what can we do to change this bleak narrative?

How might the EU change regulation over Listeria? Credit: Getty/ericsphotography

Long read

EU Listeria law: Potential changes and pitfalls

By Bethan Grylls

With the EU on the precipice of new Listeria regulations, Bethan Grylls reports on Chilled Food Association’s most recent webinar examining the potential avenues this could take and the repercussions.

How can you be sure you are getting the blend you have approved? Credit: Getty/Giovanni Magdalinos

Food Forensics

Do you know if your wine is real?

By Alison Johnson

Wine fraud has been reported as far back as Ancient Rome and continues to be a major obstacle in the industry today. So how can you ensure yours is genuine?

Halen Môn's founders (right)

Long read

What is a B Corp and how do I achieve one?

By Bethan Grylls

Anglesey sea salt company Halen Môn has been awarded B Corp status, joining a growing group of 29 Welsh-based companies. But what does this certification mean and why are so many F&B brands keen to claim such a title?

How to be prepared for unexpected Trading Standards inspections and what to do during the visit. Credit: Getty/Bonfanti Diego

Legal brief

Animal welfare: what to expect from a trading standards visit

By Katie Temple

Animal welfare is high on the political agenda and a visit from Trading Standards is always an unpredictable possibility. Katie Temple, food lawyer at Roythornes Solicitors, explains how to prepare and what may be needed next.