The list of companies that have faced challenges to their health claims is long and runs the gamut of product types.

For food manufacturers finding themselves challenged to develop products that fit the simple label trend, it may be equally worthwhile to highlight the value new ingredient technologies are adding to their products.

It should be noted that at a time when obesity is such a top-of-mind issue throughout the public health community, the food industry has introduced more products focused on health and wellness than ever before.

What may seem to be a rise in food safety incidents is in reality a sign of progress.

Placing restrictions by law on the use of specific food and beverage ingredients, outside of those established by the Food and Drug Administration, represents a fundamental shift in public health policy.

Despite the high volume and fierce intensity of the debate, a key component to addressing childhood obesity and, indeed, adult obesity has been omitted from the equation — the need for nutrition education in schools.

Obesity is a complex issue and it is both naive and simplistic to believe the taxation of certain products will reduce its incidence.

The global recession combined with other international developments have created unique opportunities abroad for U.S. food manufacturers.

Two undertakings will exert significant pressures on the industry during 2010 — the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act and the introduction of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

A gap is emerging between what federal regulators consider expeditious product traceability and what is currently attainable by a majority of food companies.