Food regulation update October 27: The latest on MAHA and related developments

CHICAGO, October 27, 2025 — IFMA The Food Away from Home Association launched a new benefit for members: A roundup of regulatory developments affecting the food-away-from-home business, including policy changes that are part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. The report is compiled and written by Dr. Joy Dubost, a renowned food scientist and registered dietitian with strong knowledge of what’s happening on the regulatory front.

FEDERAL UPDATES

Government Shutdown

As the Government Shutdown is in its 3rd week the Senate has failed multiple times to pass the House-approved continuing resolution that would keep the government funded until November 21st. As a result, the impact on federally funded programs is starting to hit the danger zone. Below is a snapshot of the impact.


SNAP
The USDA announced that funds will likely run out by end of October. The Acting SNAP Associate Administrator has asked state and local officials to hold off on preparing for November benefits. It has been reported that about 21 states will hit pause on SNAP reimbursements come November 1st. If the government shutdown continues into November, The School Nutrition Association reports that some states may not have enough money for October meal reimbursements.

School Meals
The USDA has confirmed that funds designated for October meal coverage have been distributed to state agencies.

WIC
The Administration said tariff revenues are funding the WIC program through October, but it's unclear if funds will continue in November. Some states are experiencing WIC delays or funding issues related to a lack of administrative funds or furloughs, leading to challenges in serving participants.

Farm Aid
The administration has stated it will not release details on a farm aid package until the government reopens.

H-2A Processing
Specialty crop producers have raised concerns that the shutdown is delaying H-2A visa processing during the critical harvest period for certain fruits and vegetables.

FDA 

Allergen Meeting Postponed
Due to the lapse in appropriations, FDA is postponing the virtual public meeting on November 18, 2025, and listening sessions on November 19 - 20, 2025 regarding food allergen thresholds and their potential applications in the U.S. The agency will communicate when these events are rescheduled.

MAHA

Food Industry Pushes Back
The controversial pick of Casey Means for U.S. Surgeon General by the Trump Administration faces its first major hurdle. She is tentatively scheduled for a virtual hearing before the HELP committee on October 30th.

Four in Ten Parents Support MAHA
A Washington Post and Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 38% of parents support the MAHA movement, including 62% of Republican parents (81% of MAGA Republicans), 17% of Democrats, and 34% of independents. Despite differences in support, most parents—both MAHA supporters and non-supporters—share concerns about highly processed foods and obesity affecting children's health..

New Regulatory Threat?
White House and MAHA adviser Calley Means said at a HLTH health industry conference this week that the Administration may pass new regulations on the industry if companies don't deliver on their commitments to remove artificial colors from their products. "There absolutely is an appetite to use the regulatory lever to protect kids when necessary," Means said. As reported previously there is a tracker on the FDA website listing company commitments to stop using food dyes.

OTHER NEWS

Food Industry Pushes Back

The food industry is understandably concerned about all the patchwork regulations across the country. As a result, a new coalition called Americans for Ingredient Transparency has officially launched comprised of the largest trade associations and consumer good companies to advocate for federal action. They also launched a new video to introduce themselves and mission. The coalition is being led by two spokespeople: Julie Gunlock, a conservative advocate who directs the Independent Women’s Network, and Andy Koenig, a former policy special assistant to President Trump. Per their new website the coalition says it’s seeking two key provisions in federal legislation:

1) “The FD&C Act should be amended to establish FDA as the sole entity setting the floor and ceiling for regulations on the marketing and sale of foods, beverages, and over-the-counter products in the United States, including safety assessments, ingredient approvals, registrations, reporting requirements, and labeling requirements.”

2) “The regulations must follow a risk-based evaluation process informed by peer- or expert-reviewed research, adhere to well-established scientific principles, meet rigorous regulatory scientific standards, and be relevant to human health and safety.”

History is repeating itself...we saw this with menu labeling and GMOs. Secretary Kennedy's strategy was clear all along, which was to create disruption at the state level with MAHA friendly state legislation so that industry proposes or even advocates for federal regulations or standards. After almost 30 MAHA friendly bills have passed at the state level this year with MAHA leadership claiming a "tsunami" to come in 2026. Will this new coalition be successful in advocating federal provisions for one national standard? MAHA advocates are already pushing back. Vani Hari, aka “The Food Babe” stated, ““It will neuter and betray every community that has sought change. “It’s the gutting of the MAHA momentum.” Read her blog post on this new coalition here.