Keller Heckman

Keller and Heckman, founded in 1962, has a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, litigation, and business transactions, serving both domestic and international clients. Our firm is a pioneer in the use of interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. Since 1971, we have had an in-house scientific staff that works closely with the firm's attorneys on matters of technical complexity. Many of our attorneys also have government experience and expertise in multiple areas of the law.

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Consumer Protection Connection

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Latest from Keller Heckman

The Daily Intake

Updated Salmonella & Campylobacter Poultry Guidelines

By Jill Mahoney

August 4, 2021

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released new guidelines for controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw poultry. Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria are responsible for 3 million illnesses per years, which account for more than 70% of the foodborne illnesses tracked by the CDC, costing roughly $6 billion annually. The guidelines help poultry establishments, including those that are small and very small, identify and implement pre- and post-harvest interventions to control Salmonella and Campylobacter…

The Daily Intake

Malic Acid Flavoring Case Allowed to Proceed Sans Injunctive Relief

By Nicholas S. Prust

August 3, 2021

Malic acid is a compound that is used as a food ingredient in a variety of ways, including as a flavor enhancer, flavoring agent and adjuvant, and as a pH control agent. See 21 CFR 184.1069 (“Malic acid”). L-malic acid occurs naturally in some foods, including many fruits. In contrast, DL-malic acid is commercially manufactured and considered by some to be artificial. Plaintiffs have frequent targeted the use of DL-malic acid in foods that…

The Daily Intake

New Food Chemical Legislation Introduced

By Lisa Alsobrook

August 2, 2021

On July 26, 2021, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) announced the introduction of the Food Chemical Reassessment Act of 2021 (FCRA, H.R. 4694). The FCRA, co-sponsored by Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Tony Cárdenas (D-CA29), would create a new Office of Food Safety Reassessment in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to study at least ten chemicals every three years and reevaluate their safety for use in food. …

Beyond Telecom Law Blog

An Overview of Broadband Provisions in the Infrastructure Bill (as of July 30, 2021)

By Casey Lide

August 2, 2021

On Wednesday, July 28, the U.S. Senate voted to move forward on a bipartisan infrastructure bill (the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act”) that includes $65 billion to support broadband deployment and adoption. While a variety of procedural and political hurdles remain, we are cautiously optimistic about its prospects for enactment. This blog entry highlights some of the key broadband-related provisions in the bill, derived from a draft copy of the bill that we obtained several…

The Daily Intake

FDA Plans Summit on E-Commerce and Food Safety

By Connie M. Potter

July 30, 2021

FDA announced it plans to host a three-day virtual event on October 19–21 , 2021. The agency seeks to discuss and exchange perspectives with industry stakeholders and interested parties about the safety of human and animal foods ordered online and delivered directly to consumers. The agency has expressed interest in past updates about the role of e-commerce in food and how foods produced, manufactured, sold, and delivered to consumers without involving traditional supply chains and…

The Daily Intake

Artificially Flavored Chips Case Dismissed

By Cathie Chen

July 29, 2021

On July 26, 2021, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a proposed class action (subscription to Law360 required) against Wise Foods, Inc. The case challenged the labeling of “Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored” chips. Represented by prolific food class action firm, Sheehan & Associates, the plaintiff alleged that the product was misleadingly labeled because it contains diacetyl, an artificial ingredient with a buttery flavor, and that the product…

The Daily Intake

CBA Calls on FDA to Regulate CBD Products

By Ryan D'Souza

July 28, 2021

In letters to Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock and Senator Ron Wyden (D – OR), the Consumer Brands Association (CBA) renewed its call for government action on cannabidiol (CBD) regulation in order to ensure consumer safety. CBA endorsed Senator Wyden’s Hemp Access and Consumer Safety Act to establish uniform CBD regulations and argued that a federal regulatory framework should empower federal regulators to: Identify data that is needed to support the safe marketing of foods…

The Daily Intake

Upcoming AAFCO Meeting to Discuss Guidelines for “Human Grade” Claim on Animal Food

By Nicholas S. Prust

July 27, 2021

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary membership association of local, state, and federal agencies that works together with FDA to regulate animal food, including by establishing definitions to describe new feed ingredients. The definitions, along with a model feed bill, are published annually in the AAFCO Official Publication. AAFCO typically holds a mid-year and annual meeting in mid-January and early August, and considers a variety of issues, including changes…

The Daily Intake

Updated Generic HACCP Model for Beef Slaughter

By Lisa Alsobrook

July 26, 2021

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis Critical Control (HACCP) Systems Final Rule in July 1996 mandating that HACCP be implemented in all USDA inspected meat and poultry plants. To assist establishments in meeting regulatory requirements, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) simultaneously released generic HACCP models relevant to various process categories. On July 23, 2021, USDA announced that FSIS has updated and released its Generic HACCP Model for …

The Daily Intake

House Revives and Passes PFAS Bill

By Connie M. Potter

July 23, 2021

The House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act to regulate the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on July 21, 2021. The bill’s passing follows FDA’s recently published update on testing of PFAS in food to better understand the presence of PFAS in the food supply. As our readers know, PFAS are known for their grease, water, and oil-resistant properties. They are used in a variety of consumer products, including food-contact materials. As…

Keller Heckman

Keller Heckman Blogs

Blog Authors

Updated Salmonella & Campylobacter Poultry Guidelines

Malic Acid Flavoring Case Allowed to Proceed Sans Injunctive Relief

New Food Chemical Legislation Introduced

An Overview of Broadband Provisions in the Infrastructure Bill (as of July 30, 2021)

FDA Plans Summit on E-Commerce and Food Safety

Artificially Flavored Chips Case Dismissed

CBA Calls on FDA to Regulate CBD Products

Upcoming AAFCO Meeting to Discuss Guidelines for “Human Grade” Claim on Animal Food

Updated Generic HACCP Model for Beef Slaughter

House Revives and Passes PFAS Bill

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