Tag: Foods
FDA’s New Inspection Playbook (and Why You Should Care)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially entered its “speed dating” era—at least when it comes to inspections. On May 6, 2026, FDA announced a pilot program for one-day inspectional assessments, a shorter, risk-based alternative designed to complement traditional, multi-day inspections. While the concept sounds deceptively simple—“we’ll be in and out in a day”—the […]
FDA inspections don’t arrive with much ceremony. There’s no buildup—just a badge, a few introductions, and then a steady stream of questions about your documents, your systems, and your people. What has changed is everything around that moment. Inspections are happening more often, follow-ups are quicker, and tolerance for “we’ll fix it later” has narrowed […]
FDA Scrutiny on Honey Fraud Intensifies
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released findings from its latest honey sampling assignment, reaffirming a persistent issue in the food industry: economically motivated adulteration (EMA). Honey remains particularly vulnerable to this form of food fraud, where cheaper sweeteners—such as sugarcane or corn syrups—are added without disclosure. How the FDA Tests for Adulteration […]
When Voluntary Isn’t Exactly Optional
If your company makes, markets, manufactures food, beverages, or supplements, you’ve likely noticed that color is having a moment. Under the MAHA banner, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have set their sights on “petroleum-based synthetic dyes.” Yes, the usual suspects remain perfectly lawful and fully approved for use. But […]
What the Human Foods Agenda Means for Regulated Businesses
If you thought the FDA’s Human Foods Program (HFP) spent 2025 just rearranging labels and scolding salt shakers, think again. In 2026, the agency is showing up with a color-coded spreadsheet, a microscope, and a very strong opinion about what’s in America’s pantry. This is the year the FDA leans all the way into Making […]
Format Risk in the Era of Foodified Beauty
The consumer-beauty/personal‐care sector is operating in what one might call a “regulatory + innovation squeeze”-zone. On one hand, major regulatory enforcement activity is underway — particularly from the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) — which signals heightened agency focus on non-traditional dosage forms, claims and cross-category blur. On the other hand, brand […]
The Ongoing Impact of the Government Shutdown on FDA and Regulated Industry — and What Companies Should Prioritize
The FDA’s Great Intermission In a world where pacemakers, peanut butter, wrinkle creams, and cold meds all depend on federal review or oversight, the government has — quite literally — left the chat. On October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the United States federal government entered a funding lapse (a “shutdown”) due to the […]
FDA Seeks Definition for Ultra-Processed Foods in Major Regulatory Shift
If you’ve ever stared suspiciously at your pantry wondering whether that neon-orange cheese puff qualifies as dinner or some sort of science experiment, you’re not alone. The FDA, the same folks who once agonized over what “natural” means (spoiler: still no consensus), have now turned their regulatory magnifying glass on a new target: ultra-processed foods. […]
The FTC’s July 2025 Crackdown on “Made in USA” Claims Puts Industry on Notice
A Patriotic Primer Turned Compliance Crossfire As barbecues sizzled and flags fluttered this July 4th, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was busy preparing a fireworks display of its own—this one of the regulatory variety. Declaring July as “Made in USA Month,” the Commission followed up its symbolic gesture with real regulatory firepower: four warning letters […]
In a move that has both nutritionists and food scientists raising their kale smoothies in approval, the FDA announced on May 9, 2025, the approval of three new natural food color additives. This decision marks a significant step in the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) initiative to modernize the color additive regulations and […]
★★★★★
Working with Shelly on various new product launches over the last couple of years has been seamless. Quick and clear guidance is always what we get.
I've been working with Shelly and her team at Garg law for a little while now and they are fantastic! Very responsive, professional and they certainly get things done. Extremely satisfied with their service and highly recommend.
Ms Garg helped my company navigate an FDA import issue. She achieved an excellent result, was very responsive and professional, and managed to keep the project within budget. She is a stellar attorney.
I have been using Shelly Garg as FDA Counsel for 10+ years, since she was at another international law firm. While we continued to use the previous firm she was at (mainly due to the process required to change firms), we realized the quality of counsel was not the same. We have since been using Garg Law and the ease of use and trust in the knowledge was back instantly. Shelly has the skills to help me understand the regulations (by translating into layman's terms) and risks in a manner that is specific to my business. She is also extremely timely in her responses which is critical when we have a deadline mandated by the FDA. Many other attorneys cite the regulations which l've already read, but need further counsel. In my opinion, this demonstrates Shelly's in-depth knowledge of the regulations, how they pertain to the law, and how they are applicable IRL. Shelly's personable approach and pleasant manner in communication makes it very easy to have been work with her and have productive discussions on the best next steps. She truly has a passion iternational for all things FDA and I've learned so much from her.
