#216 - Food Labeling Law 101 with Lauren Handel

#216 - Food Labeling Law 101 with Lauren Handel

Author: Startup CPG September 30, 2025 Duration: 1:00:39

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg


In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Lauren Handel, founder of Handel Food Law and one of the leading experts on food labeling and advertising compliance. Together, they break down the essential rules and risks of food labeling that every brand needs to know.

Lauren shares her perspective on high-risk claims such as “natural” and “organic,” the nuances of nutrient content and health-related claims, and the role of third-party certifications in reducing exposure to litigation. She also explains the differences between regulatory consultants and attorneys, how to navigate evolving litigation trends, and why consistency across packaging, websites, and advertising is essential.

Tune in now to learn how to protect your brand, avoid costly mistakes, and approach food labeling with a strong strategy.


Listen in as they share about:

  • What is Food Labeling Law
  • Litigation Trends and Risks
  • Regulatory Framework
  • Key Claim Categories and Rules
  • The Role of Consultants vs. Attorneys
  • Marketing Beyond Packaging
  • Practical Guidance for Founders


Episode Links:
Website: https://www.handelfoodlaw.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-handel-food-lawyer/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.


Show Links:

  • Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
  • Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
  • Follow @startupcpg
  • Visit host Daniel's Linkedin 
  • Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com
  • Episode music by Super Fantastics


Behind every product on a store shelf, there's a story of risk, innovation, and relentless hustle. The Startup CPG Podcast, brought to you by the community at Startup CPG, digs into those stories where theory meets the messy reality of building a brand. You'll hear founders recount the pivotal moments that nearly broke their company and the breakthroughs that saved it, moving beyond polished success tales. Conversations often turn to the buyer's perspective, offering a rare look at what actually gets a product onto retail floors. The focus is relentlessly practical, dissecting supply chain snags, packaging dilemmas, and marketing strategies that cut through the noise. This podcast operates like a field manual for the trenches of consumer packaged goods, built on the belief that shared knowledge is the best advantage. Tune in for candid exchanges that feel more like a mastermind session than a broadcast, all aimed at demystifying the path to shelf space and sustainable growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Startup CPG Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Founder Feature: Stephanie McGregor of RINGA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Stephanie McGregor, founder of Ringa—a moringa and apple cider vinegar infused beverage with no added sugar, no sugar substitutes, and no na…
Investor Spotlight: Alex Borschow, Rocana Ventures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:23
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Alex Borschow, Managing Partner at Rocana Ventures, to explore what Series A investors actually look for in consumer brands. The conversation…
Founder Feature: Amie Kesler of Carolyn's Krisps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:47
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Amie Kesler, founder of Carolyn’s Krisps—a rapidly growing, better-for-you snack brand reinventing a cherished family recipe into a modern, dairy-fr…
#227 - Operations Ask-Me-Anything with Jamie Valenti-Jordan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Jamie Valenti-Jordan, CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services, a leader in food and beverage product development, scale-up, and manufacturing stra…
Investor Spotlight: Nick Giannuzzi, Humble Growth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:15
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Nick Giannuzzi, founder and managing partner of Humble Growth—an investment firm intentionally designed to shift the traditional power dynamic betwee…
Founder Feature: Liv Truesdell of FROST Buttercream [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:04
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker interviews Liv Truesdell, founder of FROST Buttercream, an emerging brand bringing bakery-quality, meringue-based buttercream to retail shelves with fewer ingre…
#226 - Hungryroot 101: Launch Your Brand & Master Smart Cart Shopping [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:42
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with the Hungryroot team for an exclusive inside look at how the fast-growing food tech platform curates products, personalizes grocery shopping t…