States Futureproofing News Today

Increased scrutiny of environmental sustainability claims by regulators and competitors has many brands turning to third-party certifications to reassure consumers about claims’ veracity and to protect against litigation – but recent movements in the courts suggests external certifications may not provide the level of reassurance companies seek.

Increased scrutiny of environmental sustainability claims by regulators and competitors has many brands turning to third-party certifications to reassure consumers about claims’ veracity and to protect against litigation – but recent movements in the courts suggests external certifications may not provide the level of reassurance companies seek.

The growing food as medicine movement has the potential to support not just the health of patients who are managing diet-related disease, but also that of the planet and local economies depending on how the food is grown and sourced, industry stakeholders argued during FoodNavigator-USA’s Futureproofing The Food System digital summit this week.

As the concept of “food as medicine” gains traction, doctors, dietitians and insurers already active in the space are keen to distinguish the difference between “better-for-you” products and those proven to effect a health change and therefore worthy of reimbursement and physician endorsements.

Despite notable advances in alternative protein production in 2023, including clearing regulatory hurdles, increasing capacity and expanding distribution, the segment faces significant hurdles, including questions about safety, sales and its ability to meaningfully impact the sustainability of the food system given capacity and capital constraints.