#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

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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

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