What a long, strange trip it’s been for the industry this last year. In this episode, hosts Mark and Katie take a high-level look at the regulatory shifts that have shaped food and packaging in the last year, from FDA leadership changes and evolving approaches to food additives, GRAS, and ultra-processed foods, to rising state-level action on EPR, PFAS, and color additives. We also cover major global developments, including the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and key updates to China’s food contact standards. Join us as we take a Grateful look back on the milestones of a transformative year and what Weir looking out for on the horizon.

In this episode, Partner Sheila Millar, Counsel Antonia Stamenova-Dancheva, and Associate Anushka Stein join our hosts to break down the complex world of packaging regulations for consumer products. From identifying which types of packaging fall under federal scrutiny to preparing for major upcoming changes like CPSC eFiling in 2026, we dive into essentials for producers and importers. We explore the specific laws that govern safety, including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), and analyze real-world recall examples involving physical hazards, lead limits, and child-resistant closures.

In this episode of Food & Chemicals Unpacked, we’re joined by Dave Fusaro, Editor in Chief of Food Processing magazine, to unpack the growing debate over ultra-processed foods (UPFs). We discuss Mark Thompson's article, "Ultraprocessed Foods: What Are We Even Talking About?" along with recent regulatory and legislative developments, including the FDA’s request for information on UPFs, state-level actions such as California’s AB 1264, and ongoing efforts to define what “ultra-processed” really means.