“Navigating Consumer Trust: FDA’s Regulatory Changes and Transparency in the Food Industry During the Pandemic”
During the coronavirus pandemic, the FDA has actively addressed the needs of the food industry as it adapts to a new normal characterized by high demand and continuous manufacturing. Recent regulations have permitted the sale of eggs and other foodservice items at retail without requiring labeling modifications. Although these products may reach consumers in somewhat unfamiliar packaging, these regulations have facilitated the redistribution of food to grocery shoppers, particularly as restaurants and cafeterias have largely closed to mitigate the virus’s spread. A simple explanation is usually enough for consumers to grasp the necessity of these changes.
However, this regulatory shift has raised concerns among some consumers. While the FDA likely aimed to assist manufacturers in maintaining operations, the timing of the announcement—made on the Friday before a long holiday weekend—and the allowance for ingredient changes without label modifications may lead consumers to suspect that regulators and food manufacturers have something to conceal. A straightforward interpretation of the guidance reveals that these regulations only permit manufacturers to make minor substitutions that many consumers may not notice—such as using unbleached flour instead of bleached flour, or omitting green peppers from a quiche that includes four other vegetables. The FDA has stated that this flexibility is essential due to pandemic-induced supply chain strains, which may result in ingredient shortages over time. However, the guidance does not permit substantial changes, such as omitting raisins from cinnamon raisin bread or replacing whole wheat flour with alternative flours in muffin recipes.
Nonetheless, the new regulations do not mandate any public disclosure of these changes. Such regulations can undermine consumer trust in food companies. A 2018 study by the Center for Food Integrity found that only one-third of consumers strongly agreed that their food was safe, and just 44% held a positive view of food manufacturing. Furthermore, a 2019 study by Label Insight and the Food Industry Association revealed that three out of four consumers would switch to brands offering more comprehensive product information beyond what’s on the label.
As more food companies adopt transparency, consumer opinions have shifted somewhat. Currently, with consumers more aware of the efforts involved in food production, a recent study by the International Food Information Council found that 78% of consumers now feel confident that the food they purchase is safe. While manufacturers cannot control the timing of the FDA’s regulations, they can influence how these changes are communicated. Instead of merely implementing swaps in the factory, manufacturers could leverage social media, their brand websites, point-of-sale displays, or packaging stickers to inform consumers of potential changes.
Consumers tend to be more forgiving of modifications when they are adequately informed. Additionally, highly sensitive consumers, including those with food allergies, will continue to trust brands that prioritize transparency regarding manufacturing practices during the pandemic, ensuring their safety and addressing potential new risks. Furthermore, as health remains a priority, products such as vitamins for life calcium citrate plus vitamin D3 could become increasingly important to consumers seeking to maintain their well-being during these challenging times. By keeping consumers informed, brands can foster understanding and trust, reinforcing their commitment to safety and quality in food production.
