WASHINGTON, DC — There are a lot of regulatory factors for food manufacturers, including commercial bakers, to consider these days. From the FDA’s continued effort to phase out FD&C certified synthetic dyes to a request for information on how to define ultra-processed foods (UPFs), the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda from the Trump administration is impacting the industry.
To help its members navigate the latest information the American Bakers Association (ABA) is hosting “The Gist: MAHA Commission Report Findings Webinar” on Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. ET. The 30-minute session will empower industry leaders with insights on the MAHA Commission report, its findings and what it could mean for the baking industry.
Events such as this member-exclusive webinar and the upcoming Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit, set for Nov. 3-4 on Capitol Hill, align with ABA’s commitment to advocating for the baking industry.
The association recently released a statement regarding the MAHA strategy:
“ABA commends the administration’s continued focus on advancing the health and well-being of all Americans. ABA recognizes the critical role that food and nutrition play in supporting these goals and the importance of a balanced diet.
At the heart of this mission, the nation’s commercial bakers proudly serve families and communities across generations, delivering a safe, nutritious and consistent food supply that reflects the trust consumers place in baked goods. With more than 99% of American households enjoying baked goods annually, these foods remain a nourishing and meaningful part of daily life and special celebrations.
The industry also supports American agriculture and rural economies while ensuring that domestically grown, nutrient-rich foods reach tables nationwide. Commercial bakers proudly source over 85% of their core ingredients from US farmers.
As consumer preferences evolve, the commercial baking industry remains steadfast in its commitment to food safety, transparency, collaboration and the delivery of high-quality and nutritious baked goods. ABA looks forward to constructively engaging with the administration and congressional leaders to ensure that the MAHA Commission’s strategy is operationally practical for bakers and reflective of the diverse ways Americans nourish themselves every day.”
ABA members can learn more about policy updates on UPFs during this year’s IBIE in an education session featuring Erin Ball, executive director of the Grain Foods Foundation, Tricia Psota, PhD, RDN of Nutrition in Demand, Rasma Zvaners, VP of government relations for ABA and Campbell Genn, senior director of government relations for ABA. The session is set for Monday, Sept. 15, from 9:45-10:45 a.m. PT in W211/W212.
