Looming THC Ban Has Retailers, Brands Searching For Alternative Buzzes
Hemp beverage retailers and non-alc brands are preparing to pivot into non-THC alternatives as the November ban looms.
Regulatory
Stay informed on the latest beverage industry regulatory updates involving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or United States Department of Agriculture(USDA), as well as news regarding lawsuits, labeling and class-actions. Understand the evolving beverage regulatory and legal environment which can directly impact your product claims, intellectual property, packaging and ingredients.
Featured Regulatory Content
Hemp Update: Kentucky, S. Carolina Shift to Alcohol Retail
States are taking various approaches to regulating intoxicating hemp as the November deadline to potentially ban the category draws closer.
![Hemp Ban Deadline Could Be Extended Under New Bill [Updated]](https://dg6qn11ynnp6a.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/05124459/bevnet_drafthemplegislation_thumbnail-150x150.jpg)
Hemp Ban Deadline Could Be Extended Under New Bill [Updated]
An Indiana congressman has proposed legislation to push back the upcoming hemp ban for three years, allowing more time to carve out a regulatory framework for hemp products.
Additional Content
In the Courtroom: Soda Tax Delayed in Ill., Objector to GT’s Settlement
A Cook County, Ill. judge moves to delay the implementation of the county's tax on sugary beverages, a class member objects to the terms of the GT's Kombucha-Whole Foods lawsuit settlement, and Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits faces allegations of fraud.
Vita Coco Calls Drinks “Squid Free,” Consumer to Pursue Legal Action
Vita Coco aimed to put a lighter note on a media blitz that occurred this week after several media outlets reported a New York woman had found a mysterious object in a carton of coconut water. In a press release issued today, the company stated that its beverages are “delicious, refreshing, safe and most definitely ‘squid free.’”
Organic Dairy Industry Responds to WaPost Story on Certification Issues
A recent article in The Washington Post is raising concerns from some members of the organic dairy community about how the practices of some large scale organic dairy operations may be affecting the industry as a whole.
Vita Coco Investigating Strange Object Found in Carton
Vita Coco has launched an internal investigation of its product line after a New York woman reported finding a foreign object -- what she called an “octopus looking thing” in her coconut water -- prompting a media frenzy after a Facebook post last month that has now been shared more than 52,000 times.
JÙS By Julie Warned By FDA Over Health Claims
The letter cited claims from the JÙS By Julie website stating that several of its cold-pressed juices and soups included ingredients that could “fight diabetes,” “lower bad cholesterol,” “control blood pressure” and “offsetting common life disrupting ailments such as depression and ADHD,” among other benefits.
In the Courtroom: Lifeway Face Lactose Suit; Ex-Marley Coffee CEO Settles
Lifeway Foods is facing a class-action suit alleging that it deceived customers in claiming its Plain Kefir is “99 percent lactose free," while the ex-CEO of Jammin' Java reaches a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In the Courtroom: Craft Root Beer Maker Battles Monster
Craft root beer maker Thunder Beast faces a trademark infringement suit from Monster Energy, while Unique Beverage Company is hit with class action litigation over allegations its coconut flavored sparkling water is deceiving to consumers
New Food Dye Bill Could Have Suppliers Seeing Red
Earlier this month, State Senator Bob Wieckowski, a Democrat, introduced California SB 504, a bill that would require warning labels on all food containing synthetic dyes, including those sold in restaurants. If passed, the law would be the first of its kind in any state.
Dairy Alternatives Brace for Battle on Capitol Hill
The Good Food Institute, which focuses on the growth of plant-based and cultured “clean” protein and dairy products and businesses, submitted last week a citizen petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which calls for the agency to allow alternative beverages to continue using the term “milk."
In the Courtroom: Tradewinds Targeted for Natural Claims; Alleged Racial Bias at Coke Bottler
Tradewinds Beverage Co., Sweet Leaf Tea Co. and Nestle Waters North America are facing a lawsuit for allegedly misrepresenting “natural” and “all-natural” claims made on the labels for Tradewinds Iced Teas.
PepsiCo Agrees to Change Naked Label in Settlement
As a result of a settlement with the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a consumer watchdog group, PepsiCo agreed last week to make several changes in the labeling and marketing of its Naked juices and smoothies. In October CSPI alleged that the labelling of Naked products misled consumers about their nutritional value and ingredients.
In the Courtroom: Class Action Against Odwalla Can Move Ahead
In the courtroom this month: A class action against Odwalla can move ahead after a judge declined a request to toss the case, Pennsylvania's state Supreme Court declines to hear the "soda tax" case, and POM Wonderful accuses Wonder Fuel of "forum shopping" in trademark infringement allegations.
Ripple Takes Aim at Legislation, Nut Milks in New Campaign
Not willing to sit idly as U.S. legislators seek to create and enforce tight, dairy-based definitions for the word “milk,” Ripple Foods launched a new digital media campaign this week that offers its take on the drink’s standard of identity.
KombuchaKon 2017 Recap
Category growth, testing methodology and distribution strategies were just a few of the topics bubbling inside the Long Beach Convention Center over the weekend at the fourth annual KombuchaKon.