Hey there! 👋

February is flying by (seriously, it’s so short!), and this year it feels the food and beverage industry is moving faster than ever. We're keeping you ahead of the curve with a quick look at the latest news and some major client celebrations! 🚀

Industry Highlights 💡

FDA "No Artificial Colors" Shift

As of February 5, 2026, the FDA announced a major policy shift, exercising enforcement discretion for voluntary "No Artificial Colors" claims. Previously, these were only permitted when no added colors of any kind, natural or synthetic, were present. This move supports the industry’s transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes (like Red No. 40) toward natural, non-certified alternatives like beetroot red.

Read the official FDA announcement HERE.

Allergen Recalls

Labeling errors remain a top cause for FDA food recalls, with 605 recorded so far in 2026. Nearly 34% of these are linked to undeclared allergens and preventable data failures often caused by manual entry or supply chain shifts. Most labeling recalls are not just "label problems” but upstream data and change-control failures.

Read more HERE by the Food Manufacturing magazine.

Non-UPF verification 

The "Non-UPF Verified" seal officially launched in January 2026 to help brands validate that their products avoid ultra-processing techniques and industrial additives. With over 70% of shoppers actively avoiding ultra-processed foods (UPFs), this third-party verification has set out to become a new standard for consumer trust.

Learn more about Non-UPF Verification HERE.

Client Spotlight: CoAqua 🥥

Tip of the Month ✅ : Claims Validation

Before adding a claim to your label, ask: Can we defend this with proper substantiation?
A compliant claim must be supported by ingredient specifications, formulation records, regulatory assessment and sometimes even test results by an accredited laboratory. Phrasing a claim incorrectly can be equally risky, as even a perfectly phrased claim is a risk if you don't have the scientific data to prove it's truthful and not misleading.

Ask a Food Scientist 📢 : Scaling for Success

Q: How do you build a formula for scale?
A: Scaling a formulation isn’t just about increasing quantities; it’s about precision and details. To move from bench-top to a co-manufacturer, your formula needs:

• Detailed Ingredient Specs: Don't just list "pineapple juice"; specify the specific variety, brix level, and pH to ensure consistency across batches.

• Operational Parameters: Define the "how," including specific shear pump speeds, mixing times, and exact thermal exposure (time/temperature) to maintain product integrity.

• Detailed Batching Sheets and Manufacturing Spec Sheets: Documentation must be so clear that any operator can replicate your exact process.

A formulation is only "finished" when it survives the manufacturing process of actual production equipment! 🏭.

How We Can Help 🚀

Navigating these updates alone is tough. Our team is ready to step in as a natural extension of yours:

• Technical Label Reviews: Our Labeling Compliance Review services support your initiatives by reviewing labels and claims to ensure they are properly substantiated while working closely with your marketing and legal teams.

• Recall Prevention: We develop robust Product Specification Sheets to stop labeling errors before they happen.

• Certification Readiness: Like we did for CoAqua, we handle the heavy lifting for Organic, Non-GMO, and Non-UPF certifications and many more!

Ready to evolve? Contact us by clicking right HERE or replying to this email 🙂

Reply with your thoughts, we’d love to hear your thoughts on our new Newsletter format or simply on what you’re working on this month!

Meet the Team: Suzette Edwards 👩‍🔬

All the Best,
The Evolve Food Team