Greenberg Traurig's Legal Food Talk

In the latest episode of Greenberg Traurig's Legal Food Talk Podcast, host Justin Prochnow takes you directly to the show floor at Natural Products Expo West 2026. Join Justin, Daniell Newman, Gina Tincher, and Michael Dulin as they share their firsthand impressions of the food and beverage industry's biggest event. Hear on-the-ground interviews with leading founders and brand executives, including Dickinson Brands, Cirkul, Lotus Plant Power, TCHO Chocolate, Eat Evergreen, I'm Nutrients, Greater Than, Taki Mai, and Wedderspoon. This episode explores: The ongoing boom in protein and fiber, and the surge of GLP-1-friendly claims Why taste and functionality are the keys to product success in today's natural foods market How regulatory developments, especially around FDA and GRAS, are shaping company strategies The rise of innovative formats—from ready-to-drink hydration to plant-powered multifunctional beverages and kid-focused supplements Real stories from founders about brand evolution, rebranding, and breaking into new markets Tune in to learn more about the trends driving the future of food, the legal and regulatory issues top-of-mind for industry leaders.

In the latest episode of the Legal Food Talk podcast, host Justin Prochnow is joined by Greenberg Traurig colleague and liquor licensing group chair Jonathan Bing for an in-depth conversation about the legal intricacies of alcoholic beverage licensing in the U.S., with a special focus on New York. Jonathan shares his unique journey from law to politics and back, detailing his experience in the New York State Assembly and his current role guiding clients through the complex world of liquor licensing at Greenberg Traurig. Justin and Jonathan also touch on marketing restrictions, tied-house laws, the impact of COVID-19 on restaurants and licensing, and what's on the horizon for 2026 in food and beverage law. Whether you're in hospitality, retail, or just curious about the intersection of law and the food & beverage industry, this episode offers valuable insights.

Welcome to the first Legal Food Talk episode of 2026, hosted by Justin Prochnow of Greenberg Traurig's (GT) Food, Beverage, and Agribusiness Practice. In this special roundtable edition, Justin is joined by eight GT attorneys from across the country to break down the most pressing regulatory, litigation, and compliance developments facing industry companies this year. Topics include: California's greenwashing and recycling laws (Will Wagner) Expanding packaging EPR compliance (Madeline Orlando) Litigation trends in packaging claims (Stacy Carpenter) "Natural" and ingredient claim lawsuits (Sean Newland) Bioengineered food disclosure regulations (Gina Tincher) Ultra-processed foods litigation and new laws (Austin Evans) Prop 65 enforcement updates (Alexandra "Ally" Lizano) FTC enforcement on consumer reviews and advertising (Peter Arhangelsky) The future of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) regulations (Justin Prochnow) If you're in the food, beverage, or agribusiness space, this episode is your essential guide to the year ahead—packed with practical insights and proactive strategies to help you navigate a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

In this episode of GT's Legal Food Talk podcast, host Justin Prochnow sits down for a roundtable discussion with guests Christopher Morey and Chris Strachan, alongside co-host and commercial litigator Stacy Carpenter. Together, they delve into the critical role of insurance in the food, beverage, and supplement industries, covering everything from general liability and product recall coverage to stock throughput and directors and officers (D&O) insurance. With real-world anecdotes, practical advice, and a touch of humor, the panel highlights the importance of working with specialized brokers, understanding policy exclusions, and discussing what to do to protect your business from unexpected risks.

In this episode of Greenberg Traurig Legal Food Talk, host Justin Prochnow sits down with Alan and Maxine Henderson, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo in the food and beverage industry. Alan, a former college basketball and NBA star and more recent spirits entrepreneur, and Maxine, a former electrical engineer turned beverage innovator, share their unique paths to launching their respective brands, Henderson Spirits Group and Bollygood. Maxine brings the flavors of India to her beverage with Bollygood, the first Indian-inspired sparkling lemonade, rooted in her family's recipe for Nimbu Pani. Alan crafts spirits that honor African American history under brands like Tom Bullock's and Birdie Brown. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned, and how their backgrounds in sports and engineering have shaped their approach to business. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a fan of innovative products, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in!

In this episode of Legal Food Talk, host Justin Prochnow welcomes Sara Zborovski, one of his attorney counterparts from Canada with Stikeman Elliott to discuss the outlook on food regulation in 2025 for the United States and Canada. Like a baseball or hockey game played between teams from Canada and the United States, they stand at attention while both national anthems play, discussing some of the potential political implications on food regulation in 2025, including a new administration in the United States and Justin Trudeau's recent actions to prorogue Parliament in Canada. They then discuss the wave of FDA guidance issues by the FDA at the end of 2024 and the start of 2025, including FDA's revised definition of "healthy", the removal of coconut as a food allergen, new action levels for lead in food intended for infants and children, and the proper naming of plant-based food alternatives. This episode is a shining example of international cooperation and the best collaboration between the U.S. and Canada since Canadian bacon and pineapple!

In this episode of Legal Food Talk, host Justin Prochnow welcomes colleague Will Wagner back to Greenberg Traurig and back to the Legal Food Talk podcast! As one of the only repeat guests on Legal Food Talk, Will joins Justin to discuss what has changed in the last three years regarding environmental compliance for food companies since they recorded Episode 6 way back in 2021. They revisit California's Prop 65 and some of the challenges for food companies to maintain compliance and respond to bounty hunter allegations. Will also breaks down the significance of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility for those wondering) and what companies need to do to ensure compliance with requirements that may seem far away but are closer than everyone thinks. They also discuss PFAS and the various state laws prohibiting PFAS in packaging, as well as plaintiff lawyer class actions in the space. Finally, they discuss making environmental claims like "biodegradable" and the regulation of such claims on the state level in California and other jurisdictions, as well as what might be coming in the ever-pending revisions to the FTC's Green Guides. The guys provide you the answers to questions you didn't even know you had. Download and tune in!

In this episode of the Legal Food Talk podcast, host Justin Prochnow welcomes Greenberg Traurig colleague Peter Arhangelsky to discuss 5 Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry. After some background on Peter and his journey to GT, they breakdown some of the top trends affecting FDA-regulated industries in 2024. With Natural Products ExpoWest back for another year, Justin and Peter discuss the interplay between digital marketing and in-person tradeshows and how companies are deciding where to put their marketing dollars. They also discuss how PFAS and other chemicals are in the cross-hairs of class action plaintiff lawyers in 2024, even as the FTC reevaluates "The Green Guides" and various environmental claims. Plant-based foods and "healthy" claims are also likely to dominate discussion in 2024. And they wrap up with some PSAs regarding various laws and regulations that become effective in 2024 that companies need to know. This is the catch-up collab you need to be prepared for everything coming at you in 2024.

In this episode of Legal Food Talk, host Justin Prochnow welcomes colleague Tyler Thompson from GT's Data Privacy and Cybersecurity team to discuss the responsibilities of companies to protect data. Tyler breaks down the overall regulation of data collection and the web of different state laws and regulations, making it more difficult for companies to comply. The guys discuss pathways for achieving compliance and some of the pitfalls involved. Tyler and Justin also breakdown other related obligations companies have that could pose risk for action from plaintiff lawyers, including website compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Finally, they close out with some practical tips for staying on track and in line with requirements. It's a podcast providing data about collecting data so you can store that data effectively – it's a data download extraordinaire!

In this episode of Legal Food Talk, host Justin Prochnow welcomes Bill Bookout, President and Founder of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) to talk about the ever-growing category of animal supplements. Bill starts off by explaining the origin of the NASC and how it came to exist before Justin and Bill breakdown the regulation of animal products and the interests of regulators. Bill discusses the interplay of the NASC mission with federal and state agencies and the tenets for members of the NASC. Finally, the guys discuss some of the more pressing issues facing companies in the booming world of animal supplements and other pet products. So be sure to listen in on this podcast.

In this episode of Legal Food Talk, host Justin Prochnow welcomes colleague Barry Schindler, Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig's Global Patent Prosecution Group, to the mic to talk about the influence of AI and other technology in food. First, Barry and Justin talk about what is on everyone's mind – AI – and the first AI-created energy drink. The guys talk about what that means for the industry and how a patented mechanical mouth can assess mouthfeel. Drones dusting and harvesting crops, 3D printing of dietary supplements, and increasingly personalized medicine. How far off are we from your own personal Baymax asking "On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your pain?" Or are we already there? Listen in and prepare to have your horizons expanded!

You are invited to listen to Episode 20, "What's Popping? Darrin Foster and Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn." In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow welcomes Darrin Foster of Oogie's Snacks into the studio to talk about a beloved snack item: POPCORN! Darrin and Justin talk about how Darrin got into popcorn, previous iterations, and how Oogie's got its name. Darrin shares his experiences on how flavors get chosen, implementing big changes in packaging, and managing the business during and post-COVID. Finally, Darrin provides some thoughts and tips for those entrepreneurs looking to start a new business. Grab a bag of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy!

You are invited to listen to Episode 20, "What’s Popping? Darrin Foster and Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn." In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow welcomes Darrin Foster of Oogie’s Snacks into the studio to talk about a beloved snack item: POPCORN! Darrin and Justin talk about how Darrin got into popcorn, previous iterations, and how Oogie’s got its name. Darrin shares his experiences on how flavors get chosen, implementing big changes in packaging, and managing the business during and post-COVID. Finally, Darrin provides some thoughts and tips for those entrepreneurs looking to start a new business. Grab a bag of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy!

In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow takes the mic solo and discusses the highwire act that many advertisers and affiliate marketers must navigate to promote products while staying on the right side of the law. Justin runs through his own "Top 10" list of topics that federal regulators like the FDA and the FTC are focused on, including parameters for substantiating claims, requirements for disclosing material connections, the necessity of vetting customer testimonials, and generally making permissible claims. Whether you are looking to tout that secret ingredient found in a hidden village in the Himalayas or the latest and greatest hydration beverage, listening to this episode will help guide you down the path. So, quick, ACT NOW before times runs out! (Insert appropriate disclaimer here!) Greenberg Traurig's Legal Food Talk Podcast is designed to help industry participants, whether budding entrepreneurs or long standing companies, in-house counsel, and anyone else curious, to stay in touch with the world of food, beverages, dietary supplements, and agribusiness law. Each episode addresses a unique facet of the food, beverage or agribusiness sectors, with some episodes featuring Greenberg Traurig guests or other industry professionals.

In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow takes the mic solo and discusses the highwire act that many advertisers and affiliate marketers must navigate to promote products while staying on the right side of the law. Justin runs through his own “Top 10” list of topics that federal regulators like the FDA and the FTC are focused on, including parameters for substantiating claims, requirements for disclosing material connections, the necessity of vetting customer testimonials, and generally making permissible claims. Whether you are looking to tout that secret ingredient found in a hidden village in the Himalayas or the latest and greatest hydration beverage, listening to this episode will help guide you down the path. So, quick, ACT NOW before times runs out! (Insert appropriate disclaimer here!) Greenberg Traurig’s Legal Food Talk Podcast is designed to help industry participants, whether budding entrepreneurs or long standing companies, in-house counsel, and anyone else curious, to stay in touch with the world of food, beverages, dietary supplements, and agribusiness law.  Each episode addresses a unique facet of the food, beverage or agribusiness sectors, with some episodes featuring Greenberg Traurig guests or other industry professionals.

You are invited to listen to Episode 18, "Regulatory Roundtable – What's on the Menu in 2022?." In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow along with GT colleague and golf partner Jim Prochnow discuss happenings from 2022 and issues to look out for in 2023. The boys discuss a wide ranges of topics, moving from sesame as the newest food allergen to homeopathics to the FDA's regulation of NMN. Other topics include potential regulation of CBD/hemp, updates to the Green Guides and the definition of healthy. Listen in to hear where the GT regulatory team see trends heading in 2023. Greenberg Traurig's Legal Food Talk Podcast is designed to help industry participants, whether budding entrepreneurs or long standing companies, in-house counsel, and anyone else curious, to stay in touch with the world of food, beverages, dietary supplements, and agribusiness law. Each episode addresses a unique facet of the food, beverage or agribusiness sectors, with some episodes featuring Greenberg Traurig guests or other industry professionals.

You are invited to listen to Episode 18, "Regulatory Roundtable – What's on the Menu in 2022?." In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow along with GT colleague and golf partner Jim Prochnow discuss happenings from 2022 and issues to look out for in 2023. The boys discuss a wide ranges of topics, moving from sesame as the newest food allergen to homeopathics to the FDA’s regulation of NMN. Other topics include potential regulation of CBD/hemp, updates to the Green Guides and the definition of healthy. Listen in to hear where the GT regulatory team see trends heading in 2023. Greenberg Traurig’s Legal Food Talk Podcast is designed to help industry participants, whether budding entrepreneurs or long standing companies, in-house counsel, and anyone else curious, to stay in touch with the world of food, beverages, dietary supplements, and agribusiness law.  Each episode addresses a unique facet of the food, beverage or agribusiness sectors, with some episodes featuring Greenberg Traurig guests or other industry professionals.

In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow joins colleague Riley Lagesen at the counter to talk about the restaurant industry. Riley breaks down how he got started working with restaurants and what led to creating a restaurant-focused practice. Riley also talks about joining Greenberg Traurig and how he and the other Portland-based members of the Global Restaurant Industry Group have transitioned to GT's global platform. The duo discusses the effects of COVID on the restaurant industry and how they worked with clients to manage the many hurdles created before and after COVID. Riley also talks about some of the great collaborations he has worked on with celebrity chefs, actors, and athletes to help companies both navigate the restaurant industry and give back to the community. This is a podcast for any occasion, whether it's a quick bite with coffee and a croissant, an afternoon snack, or a sit down 8 course meal!

In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow joins colleague Riley Lagesen at the counter to talk about the restaurant industry. Riley breaks down how he got started working with restaurants and what led to creating a restaurant-focused practice. Riley also talks about joining Greenberg Traurig and how he and the other Portland-based members of the Global Restaurant Industry Group have transitioned to GT’s global platform. The duo discusses the effects of COVID on the restaurant industry and how they worked with clients to manage the many hurdles created before and after COVID. Riley also talks about some of the great collaborations he has worked on with celebrity chefs, actors, and athletes to help companies both navigate the restaurant industry and give back to the community. This is a podcast for any occasion, whether it’s a quick bite with coffee and a croissant, an afternoon snack, or a sit down 8 course meal!

In this episode of the podcast, host Justin Prochnow and frequent co-host Michael Goodman sit down with Fred Hart, creative director and partner at Interact, a Boulder, CO-based branding and design agency. The trio revisit the recent Colorado Avalanche Stanley Cup Championship highlights before talking branding and food! Fred breaks down the mission of Interact in working with brands in the food and beverage industry and how he and Interact help companies bring their own unique voice to their products. They discuss how COVID affected the food and beverage industry and Fred talks about how Interact pivoted during the pandemic. Fred drops some Do's and Don'ts for developing new branding concepts and designs and the close out talking about some of their favorite current campaigns on the market and trends on the horizon.