Food & Chemicals Unpacked

In this episode, Keller and Heckman Partner Azim Chowdhury returns to the podcast to discuss FDA’s evolving regulation of tobacco and nicotine products, with a focus on flavored vaping products, e-cigarettes, and oral nicotine pouches. Azim provides updates and insights on PMTA authorizations and the legal standards companies must satisfy to bring products to market. Join us as we explore recent litigation, new FDA guidance, and landmark authorization decisions that may shape the future of flavored ENDS and nicotine pouches in the United States.

“Made in the USA”—or maybe just claiming to be “Born in the U.S.A.”— simple claim, complicated rules. Keller and Heckman Partner Rick Mann, Counsel Antonia Stamenova-Dancheva, and Associate Anushka Stein join the hosts to unpack the evolving legal landscape of the distinction between advertising claims and country-of-origin rules, as well as key federal and state requirements such as the FTC’s Made in USA Labeling Rule, the Buy America Act, and California’s stricter standard. The group also breaks down the latest executive order and what it signals for enforcement, examines trends in FTC activity and rising class action litigation, and shares practical steps companies can take now.

Recyclable — or is it? California's SB 343 "Truth in Recycling Law" is facing a major constitutional challenge, and the implications for companies making sustainability claims are significant. Keller and Heckman Partners Sheila Millar and Ro Sabnis join our hosts to break down the legal theories behind the lawsuit, what the timeline means for companies facing a manufacturing deadline, and how this case fits into the growing patchwork of state sustainability labeling laws.

You don't know how lucky you are! Keller and Heckman Partner Hazel O’Keeffe returns to the podcast to provide the latest updates on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

With August 2026 compliance deadlines on the horizon, businesses across the supply chain are scrambling to get ready for the PPWR, but significant uncertainty remains. From PFAS restrictions and recycled content requirements to ambiguous definitions and the still awaited draft European Commission guidance/FAQ, the road to compliance is anything but straightforward under the PPWR. Tune in to hear how companies are preparing, the issues they are struggling with most, and what you need to be watching.

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.