ACI's 9th Advanced Summit on Food Law Regulation, Compliance, and Litigation - DS
ACI’s 9th Advanced Summit on
April 29 – 30, 2025
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL
Distinguished Co-Chairs
Miriam Guggenheim
& Burling LLP
In-House Insights from:
• Bush Brothers & Company
• Casey’s General Stores
• The Coca-Cola Company
• Ferrero
• Fresh Del Monte
• Gerber
• The Hershey Company
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Lactalis USA
• Lindt & Sprüngli
• Mars
• Nestlé
• Post Consumer Brands
• Sabra Dipping Company
• Southeastern Grocers
• Sunsweet Growers Inc.
• Tyson Foods
• Walmart
• Whole Foods Market
Session
Highlights for 2025
Roadmap to GRAS Reform
Dissecting the Latest Labeling Regulations Front-of-Pack, “Healthy”, and Allergen Labeling
Cracking Down on Contaminants PFAS, Heavy Metals, Pesticides, and Food Dyes
Class Action and Prop 65 Litigation Trends
Crisis Management and Communication: The Dos and Don’ts of a Food Recall
Register today for the food industry's most comprehensive legal, regulatory, and compliance event of the year.
ACI’s 9th Annual Advanced Summit on Food Law Regulation, Compliance, and Litigation is a must-attend event for lawyers and regulatory professionals in the food industry. With a new administration and leadership changes at the FDA and USDA, this summit is designed to provide practical strategies that address emerging risks and best practices for navigating a new and uncertain regulatory environment, ensuring your compliance and competitiveness.
Join top in-house counsel from major food manufacturers and leading law firm attorneys to gain invaluable insights into the evolving complexities of food law, regulation, and compliance through meaningful discussions on:
CHEVRON-RIGHT Navigating the Uncertainty of a New Administration’s Politics and Policies: As the Trump 2.0 administration takes shape, learn how shifts in regulations— from food safety to labeling requirements and trade tariffs—will impact the food industry.
CHEVRON-RIGHT The FDA’s Human Food Program (HFP): Delve into the FDA’s modernized approach to food safety, with a focus on proactive, data-driven risk management, enhanced documentation, and compliance strategies for 2025.
CHEVRON-RIGHT Ultra-Processed Food (UFP): Explore how food manufacturers can prepare for the increasing regulatory and consumer focus on UFPs, from reformulation to addressing potential legal risks related to health claims.
CHEVRON-RIGHT Labeling Regulations: Discover best practices for preparing for new industry compliance standards regarding Front-of-Pack, “Healthy,” and allergen labeling, including how to implement robust label review systems to mitigate non-compliance risks.
This summit will equip you with the tools, strategies, and professional connections necessary to navigate today’s food law challenges and strengthen your position in the industry. Register now to secure your spot and gain access to the latest insights and expertise!
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Samantha Dietel
Legal Counsel, Food Law and Regulatory
Nestlé
Eva Hurt Vice President, North America
Scientific & Regulatory Affairs
The Coca-Cola Company
John Luedke
General Counsel, Global Food Law
Mars
Jessica Haefele
Head Legal, Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover Chocolates
Lindt & Sprüngli
Kelly Foos Associate General Counsel Post Consumer Brands
Kelly Laudon Director Assistant General Counsel – Regulatory The Hershey Company
Wendy Fiel Chief Legal Officer
Sabra Dipping Company
Cynthia Gibson General Counsel
Bush Brothers & Company
Distinguished Faculty
CO-CHAIRS
Miriam Guggenheim Partner Covington & Burling LLP
Kelly Laudon Director Assistant General Counsel – Regulatory The Hershey Company
ESTEEMED SPEAKERS
Lina Ahumada Head of Legal & Government Affairs The Kraft Heinz Company
Mara Burr Vice President, Regulatory & Technical Affairs Consumer Brands Association
Amy Costello Assistant General Counsel and Director, Food Safety Casey’s General Stores
Samantha Dietel Legal Counsel, Food Law and Regulatory Nestlé
Wendy Fiel Chief Legal Officer Sabra Dipping Company
Kelly Foos
Associate General Counsel Post Consumer Brands
Cynthia Gibson General Counsel Bush Brothers & Company
Maile Gradison Partner Hogan Lovells
Sandy Grimm
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary Southeastern Grocers
Jessica Haefele
Head Legal, Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover Chocolates
Lindt & Sprüngli
Eva Hurt
Vice President, North America Scientific & Regulatory Affairs The Coca-Cola Company
Blake Jackson Counsel, Food Walmart
Mark Leonard General Counsel Sunsweet Growers Inc.
John Luedke
General Counsel, Global Food Law Mars
Rachel Maryan Senior Counsel Gerber
Connie Potter Senior Counsel Lactalis USA
Kathleen Reilly General Counsel ButcherBox
Desiree Ripo Head of Food Regulatory & Compliance Ferrero
Effie Silva SVP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Fresh Del Monte
Stuart Spencer Managing Counsel Tyson Foods
Ashish Talati Founding Member Talati Law Firm PLLC
Suzie Trigg Partner Haynes and Boone, LLP
The Food and Beverage Industry
• In-House Counsel with responsibilities for Corporate Law, Litigation, Regulation, Advertising, and Promotion
• Compliance Officers
• Government Affairs Officers and Executives
• Nutrition and Labeling Directors and Executives
• Regulatory Affairs Officers and Executives
Law Firm Attorneys for Food and Beverage Industry:
• Attorneys with practice areas in:
- FDA/Food Law
Agenda-at-a-Glance
CONFERENCE DAY 1
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
8:00 AM Networking Breakfast and Registration
9:00 AM Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs
9:15 AM Post-Election Debrief for the Food Industry: Navigating an Increased State of Uncertainty, and Exploring the Impacts of Policies and Tariffs under a New Administration
10:00 AM New Human Foods Program (HFP): Updates, Priorities, and What a Modernized, Unified Approach Means for the Food Industry
10:45 AM Extended Networking Break
11:15 AM Roadmap to GRAS Reform: Exploring the Current Landscape of Self-GRAS and How Food Manufacturers are Preparing for Changes to FDA Requirements
12:00 PM Networking Luncheon
1:15 PM FDA KEYNOTE
1:45 PM Preparing for Complexities and Conflicts Between State and Federal Regulations in Food Law
2:45 PM Networking Break
3:00 PM Dissecting the Latest Labeling Regulations: Best Practices for Compliance with Front-ofPack, “Healthy”, and Allergen Labeling Criteria
4:00 PM Smaller-Group Roundtables: Roundtable 1: FDA Inspection and Enforcement Roundtable 2: Leveraging AI in Food Safety Roundtable 3: ESG and the Food Industry Roundtable 4: Food Product Advertising to Children
5:00 PM Day 1 Concludes to Networking Cocktail Reception
EARN CLE CREDITS
CONFERENCE DAY 2
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
8:00 AM Networking Breakfast and Registration
9:00 AM Day 2 Remarks from the Co-Chairs
9:15 AM USDA Keynote
9:45 AM Unpacking Ultra-processed Food: Exploring the Impact of Martinez v. Kraft Heinz on the Food Industry and Next Steps for Food Manufacturers
10:45 AM Networking Break
11:00 AM Packaging Developments: How Top Food Manufacturers are Navigating State-by-State PFAS, Microplastics, and EPR Regulations
11:45 AM Cracking Down on Contaminants: Regulatory Trends in Heavy Metals, Pesticides, and Food Dyes in the U.S. Food Supply
12:30 PM Networking Luncheon
1:30 PM Practical Scenarios: Defending Your Advertising Claims and Best Practices for Mitigating False Advertising Claims
2:15 PM Class Action Litigation Trends in the Food Industry: Exploring the Threat of Proposition 65 to Food Manufacturers and Best Practices to Mitigate Risk, Control Litigation Costs
3:00 PM Networking Break
3:15 PM Traceability Rule Implementation: Gearing Up for Compliance with FDA’s Supply Chain Traceability Rule
4:00 PM Tools for Crisis Management and Communication: The Dos and Don’ts of a Food Recall
4:45 PM Closing Remarks and Conference Concludes
Accreditation will be sought in those jurisdictions requested by the registrants which have continuing education requirements. This course is identified as nontransitional for the purposes of CLE accreditation.
ACI certifies this activity has been approved for CLE credit by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board.
ACI certifies this activity has been approved for CLE credit by the State Bar of California.
ACI has a dedicated team which processes requests for state approval. Please note that event accreditation varies by state and ACI will make every effort to process your request.
For more information on ACI’s CLE process, visit: www.AmericanConference.com/Accreditation/CLE
Main Conference Day 1
Tuesday, April 29, 2025
8:00 Networking Breakfast and Registration
9:00 Opening Remarks from the Co-chairs
Miriam Guggenheim
Partner
Covington & Burling LLP
9:15
Kelly Laudon
Director Assistant General Counsel – Regulatory
The Hershey Company
We’ll kick off this year’s conference with an opening panel discussion on policy shifts under the new administration that are set to significantly impact the food industry. Our panelists will explore the evolving landscape of ‘Trump 2.0’ and provide insights on what we may expect from key agencies responsible for the human food supply.
• Anticipating policies under Trump 2.0, and exploring how food manufacturers will be impacted
• Predicting how new FDA leadership under an RFK, Jr.-led HHS will impact FDA’s Human Foods Program
• Understanding how proposed tariffs under the New Administration will affect imports and exports, cost of goods, and supply chain
• How the food industry can prepare for workforce challenges resulting from the New Administration’s stance on immigration
• Assessing the implications of Loper Bright for FDA rulemaking concerning food, and addressing new challenges to the tenets of the Administrative Procedures Act (APA)
Cynthia Gibson General Counsel
Bush Brothers & Company
John Luedke
General Counsel, Global Food Law
Mars
10:00 New Human Foods Program (HFP): Updates, Priorities, and What a Modernized, Unified Approach Means for the Food Industry
• Exploring HFP leadership, structure, priorities, and initiatives under a New Administration
• Examining HFP’s emphasis on a modernized approach to food safety
• Identifying the ways HFP is leveraging science-based measures
• Assessing HFP’s path to enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and collaboration initiatives with the food industry in 2025
• Surveying the different ways that HFP is leveraging AI and other innovative tools to stay ahead of potential threats
10:45 Extended Networking Break
Created through an agency reorganization, FDA’s Human Foods Program (HFP) took effect on October 1, 2024. with the goal of taking a modernized approach to food safety and an increased focus on collaboration, nutrition, and transparency in industry. This panel will explore HFP’s evolving priorities and initiatives in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape for the food industry.
11:15 Roadmap to GRAS Reform: Exploring the Current Self-GRAS Landscape and How Food Manufacturers are Preparing for Changes to FDA GRAS Requirements
FDA’s approach to the GRAS certification process is changing, with expected impacts to the current GRAS review and notification system that will impact how ingredients are evaluated and approved. During this session, we examine the current landscape of GRAS and best practices for navigating anticipated changes to self-GRAS. Discussion points include:
• Understanding the current state of GRAS review in the food industry
• Examining potential changes to the GRAS certification process
• Assessing changes to the GRAS notification index; and exploring FDA’s approach with this change
• Understanding FDA’s criteria for reviewing GRAS affirmation petitions
• Examining lessons from the “tara flour” ingredient incident
• Exploring a potential FDA revisit to the safety of previously introduced GRAS substances
12:00 Networking Luncheon
1:15
Mara Burr Vice President, Regulatory & Technical Affairs Consumer Brands Association
1:45 Navigating Complexities and Conflicts Related to the Competing Authority of State and Federal Law Over Food
Food manufacturers are having to navigate conflicts between state and federal law that are increasingly inconsistent and complex. This panel will explore the challenges of managing dynamic and shifting conflicts between state and federal authority over food.
• Understanding where federal pre-emption stops and state authority over food begins
• Examining the patchwork of state legislation around food additives and ingredients, including measures taken by California and other states that are leading the way in ingredient regulation
• Exploring the latest legislative and regulatory activity in California concerning food:
• California’s labeling mandates, including “Best of Use By” requirements, which is currently optional at the federal level
• Examining the impact of state legislation and initiatives concerning food dyes and coloring, and their influence on federal-level regulations
• Reviewing state legislation focusing on heavy metals in baby food and related disclosure requirement updates
Eva Hurt Vice President, North America Scientific & Regulatory Affairs The Coca-Cola Company
Rachel Maryan Senior Counsel Gerber
2:45 Networking Break
3:00
Dissecting the Latest Labeling Regulations: Best Practices for Compliance with Front-of-Pack, “Healthy”, and Allergen Labeling Criteria
Front-of-Pack (FOP) nutrition labeling
• Navigating the new mandate and what it means for food manufacturers in an uncertain regulatory environment
• Exploring ways that FOP impacts food manufacturers’ approaches to marketing
• Devising next steps for food manufacturers under FOP, including potentially costly reformulations and repositioning of products
• How FOP may work to reduce sodium in the food supply
FDA’s final rule on labeling food ‘healthy’
• Understanding the updated criteria for the ‘healthy’ claim
• How food manufacturers can voluntarily claim that a product is ‘healthy’
Lina Ahumada Head of Legal & Government Affairs
The Kraft Heinz Company
Miriam Guggenheim Partner
Covington & Burling LLP
• Exploring FDA’s partnership with Instacart to help consumers identify products with the ‘healthy’ claim in a virtual storefront
• Updates to FDA guidance on voluntary sodium reduction targets
Allergen labeling
• Enforcement activities related to allergen labeling failures
• Developing best practices on food allergen labeling requirements
• Exploring labeling errors associated with major food allergens and undeclared allergens
4:00
Smaller-Group Networking Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE 1
FDA Inspection and Enforcement
ROUNDTABLE 2
Leveraging AI in Food Safety
ROUNDTABLE 3
ESG and the Food Industry
ROUNDTABLE 4
Food Product Advertising and Marketing to Children
5:00 Day 1 Concludes to Networking Cocktail Reception
Global Sponsorship Opportunities
With conferences in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe, the C5 Group of Companies: American Conference Institute, Canadian Institute, and C5 Group, provides a diverse portfolio of conferences, events and roundtables devoted to providing business intelligence to senior decision makers responding to challenges around the world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to maximize participation or showcase your organization’s services and talent. For more information please contact us at: SponsorInfo@AmericanConference.com
Main Conference Day 2
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
8:00 Networking Breakfast and Registration
9:00 Opening Remarks from the Co-Chairs
Miriam Guggenheim Partner Covington & Burling LLP
9:15 USDA KEYNOTE
9:45 Unpacking Ultra-Processed Food: Exploring the Impact of Martinez v. Kraft
In December 2024,
Kelly Laudon Director Assistant General Counsel – Regulatory The Hershey Company
and Next Steps for Food Manufacturers
This panel will unpack the implications of this lawsuit in a possible RFK Jr.-led agency and explore the scope of “ultra-processed” food in today’s changing regulatory environment. Ultra-processed foods— what are they, and how are they identified?
• Exploring the findings of discussions between the FDA and NIH on ultra-processed foods—what are the implications of these talks in the current environment?
• How does an RFK confirmation impact the proposed regulations on “ultra-processed” foods?
• Assessing the “ultra-processed foods” landscape through an international lens—what is happening across the globe?
» Canada
» The UK
» Mexico
• The European Union
• Analyzing trends and data related to vegan ultra-processed foods
• Examining “ultra-processed” under Front of Pack and healthy labeling
10:45 Networking Break
11:00 Packaging Developments: How Top Food
Manufacturers
Kelly Laudon Director Assistant General Counsel – Regulatory The Hershey Company
Desiree Ripo Head of Food Regulatory & Compliance Ferrero
Suzie Trigg Partner Haynes and Boone, LLP
are Navigating a Patchwork of State PFAS, Microplastics, and EPR
Regulations
Evolving state regulations are reshaping the ways food manufacturers must approach packaging food products to stay compliant and avoid potential legal and reputational risks. Many of these new state laws are rooted in consumer demands for food safety and environmental sustainability.
• Exploring state-by-state regulations on PFAS in food packaging
• Exploring FDA activity to date regarding PFAS in food contact materials
• Preparing for impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and pushing obligations upstream
• How are Oregon, Colorado, and California paving the way as the first states with a deadline of filing an EPR report and paying fees; they are not coordinated
Connie Potter Senior Counsel Lactalis USA
Samantha Dietel Legal Counsel, Food Law and Regulatory Nestlé
Heinz
Martinez vs. Kraft Heinz et al, targeted 11 major food companies with allegations that they were intentionally putting addictive ingredients into foods to entice consumers to eat and buy more of their products.
11:45 Cracking Down on Contaminants: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape of Heavy Metals, Pesticides, and Food Dyes in the U.S. Food Supply
The growing focus on heavy metals in food, particularly baby food, is prompting significant legal and regulatory scrutiny that has direct implications for food manufacturers. Food manufacturers must implement best practices for disclosing contaminants to avoid legal liabilities, protect public health, and maintain consumer trust.
• Analyzing data related to microplastics and nanoplastics in food packaging and the food supply
• Understanding the significance of FDA’s new web site dedicated to centralizing the research on microplastics and nanoplastics
• Breaking down the latest lawsuits involving heavy metals in baby food, with a look at how California and Maryland are paving the way
• Understanding the latest progress on the FDA’s “Closer to Zero”
• Navigating best practices for disclosures related to contaminants
• Exploring actions the EPA has taken to address PFAS in the water supply
12:30 Networking Luncheon
1:30 Advertising Claims Substantiation for Food: Developing Best Practices to Avoid Allegations of Misleading False Advertising Claims
• Exploring key developments in advertising claims substantiation for food manufacturers to watch in 2025
• Navigating increasingly complex environmental claims in food advertising
• Exploring the latest trends in Green Claims
• Preparing for the FTC’s Green Guides
• Developing best practices for advertising claims substantiation for the food industry
Wendy Fiel Chief Legal Officer
Sabra Dipping Company
Kelly Foos
Associate General Counsel
Post Consumer Brands
2:15 Class Action Litigation Trends in the Food Industry: Strengthening Your Risk Mitigation Strategies
The number of consumer class action filings has doubled in the food industry over the last decade with an alarming uptick happening specifically over the past few years. This panel will explore trends in food class actions, including:
• Interpreting the data related to the uptick in class-action lawsuits in the food industry
• Understanding reasons for the sharp increase in misleading and false advertising lawsuits against food manufacturers
• Exploring the spike in litigation on natural flavors
• ESG-related litigation trends
• Examining the extreme challenges of ‘bounty-hunter’ litigation
• Analyzing the increase litigation related to lead and cadmium in specialty foods
3:00 Networking Break
Jessica Haefele
Head Legal, Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Russell Stover Chocolates
Lindt & Sprüngli
Mark Leonard General Counsel
Sunsweet Growers Inc.
3:15 Traceability Rule Implementation: Gearing Up for Compliance with FDA’s Supply Chain Traceability Rule
The implementation of the FDA’s Supply Chain Traceability Rule requires companies to adopt comprehensive tracking and record-keeping systems to ensure full traceability of food products throughout the supply chain. This panel, we explore:
• Implementing robust tracking and record-keeping systems to ensure full traceability of food products across the supply chain
• Tracking the required data amid interoperability challenges between manufacturers and retailers
• Preparing for FDA compliance by establishing traceability protocols and maintaining accurate, accessible data
• Navigating the communication stream from manufacturers to retailers
• Exploring updates to the traceability list
Amy Costello
Assistant General Counsel and Director, Food Safety Casey’s General Stores
• Continuously reviewing and updating traceability practices to align with evolving regulations and improve supply chain visibility
4:00 Tools for Crisis Management and Communication: The Dos and Don’ts of a Food Recall
Effective crisis management during a food recall requires a proactive approach, including clear communication with supply chain partners and running regular mock recalls to ensure readiness. By following best practices, such as maintaining transparency and speed in messaging, companies can minimize risks and protect both public safety and brand reputation.
• Developing a crisis management and crisis leadership plan for a food recall
• Best practices for maintaining clear and efficient communication with supply chain partners and third-party vendors
• Exploring the importance of creating a proactive plan to stay ahead of a potential food recall
• Running mock recalls to ensure preparedness and response readiness
• Practical tips for improving recall response and minimizing impact
4:45 Closing Remarks and Conference Concludes
Maile Gradison Partner
Hogan Lovells
Sandy Grimm Chief Legal Officer and Secretary Southeastern Grocers
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