Much has changed in the way food is presented to us.  Nutritional labels, identifying food’s origin, and warning labels serve to protect us as consumers.  At the same time certain things have risen like portion sizes, obesity, and the resulting cost of related health care.  Some states and even the federal government have used regulations and are looking to do more along these lines to stem the tide.  Of course industry lobbyist paint a picture that these efforts not only negatively impact companies but unfairly target some ethnic and economic groups.  Personally, I don’t buy their position.

There are, however, a few things I didn’t know before that I thought to share.  You won’t find any study or survey results here.  If you’re interested then go ahead and use one of the links here or your favorite search engine to dig a little deeper.

California Law limits trans fat (0.5 grams per serving) used by “food facilities”.  Come 2011 these restrictions will include the frying of yeast dough and cake batter.   Interestingly enough the law doesn’t define food facilities so be careful if you’re operating a catering business.  There is a nice big loophole though.  The law makes an exception for food sold or served in a manufacturer’s original, sealed package.

Several states like NY, CA, and AR have, or are trying to get passed laws that add a tax of soft drinks.  This explains why I’ve seen TV spots about the major soda distributors voluntarily pulling sweetened soft drinks and replacing them with diet versions.

The FDA is looking to make changes to the recommended amount of salt

Oh and a lot has been shouted about HFCS good and bad.  But NY is even considering a law on that too. (No, I’m not picking on NY.  Just that I used to live there.)

Do you have any thoughts about these?  What other interesting consumer food regulations do you know that I’ve left out?