New U.S. coalition pushes for unified national standard on ingredient transparency
These stakeholders argue that fragmented state regulations risk creating consumer confusion and unnecessary compliance burdens for manufacturers.
USA – A broad alliance of food, agricultural, and consumer product organizations has launched Americans for Ingredient Transparency (AFIT), a new advocacy coalition calling for a single, national framework on ingredient transparency.
The initiative seeks to replace the growing patchwork of state-level laws with one consistent federal policy governing how ingredients in food, beverage, and personal care products are disclosed.
AFIT’s founding members include major trade associations such as the American Beverage Association, Consumer Brands Association, National Restaurant Association, and American Bakers Association, as well as companies such as Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Tyson Foods, and Conagra Brands.
Together, these stakeholders argue that fragmented state regulations risk creating consumer confusion and unnecessary compliance burdens for manufacturers.
The coalition’s policy priorities include reforming the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process, establishing nationwide front-of-package labeling, and requiring QR codes on packaging to allow instant access to ingredient and nutrition information.
AFIT is also advocating for federal legislation that designates the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the sole regulator for food, beverage, and over-the-counter product labeling and marketing, eliminating conflicting state standards.
According to AFIT, the proposed federal benchmark would rely on “consistent, science- and risk-based principles” to strengthen consumer confidence in the safety of everyday products.
The group maintains that its plan would simplify compliance for producers while empowering consumers with reliable, science-backed information.
Andy Koenig and Julie Gunlock, both veterans of public policy and government service lead the coalition.
Koenig, a founding partner of Washington-based Kwinn Consulting and former special assistant to President Donald Trump, said AFIT’s goal is to “cut through confusion” and give Americans clear, accessible ingredient information.
“Consumers want to know exactly what they are putting in and on their bodies,” he said. “Unfortunately, states are now implementing their own contradictory ingredient rules that have caused widespread confusion.”
Gunlock, director of the Independent Women’s Network and a former congressional staffer, echoed the call for “commonsense and science-backed transparency.”
She emphasized that a unified federal approach would help parents make informed food and product choices.
“Families deserve transparency they can trust,” she said. “A national standard for food safety and labeling ensures every parent can make safe, informed choices for their children.”
AFIT’s formation comes amid increased scrutiny of food labeling and ingredient disclosure, following federal discussions on defining and regulating ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
Earlier this year, U.S. health and agriculture departments began exploring uniform definitions for UPFs after a White House report linked them to poor health outcomes among children.
Through its policy push, AFIT aims to bring clarity to the complex intersection of science, labeling, and consumer trust, shaping how Americans understand what’s in their food and household products.
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