Thank you to Anthony Anscrombie from the Sedgwick Law firm in downtown Chicago for coming out last Monday and speaking with us about litigation and class action law suits taking place in the Food Industry. Typically, as R&D, Sales, QA, or Management we don't think about how our day to day actions in the work place may leave our companies exposed or think about the number of people that are going to be scrutinizing the products we make. The primary goal for most of us is to make safe and enjoyable products for consumers. But, just remember, if there isn't any pollen in your Natural Honey or if the ppm Arsenic in your apple juice is higher than bottled water your company may be at risk.

Speakers enjoy the gift of Barry Callebaut chocolate!.

Some of the most interesting class action law suits that are taking place in the Food Industry today are as follows: Subway is being sued for selling their famous $5 Foot Longs because they only measure in at 11". Activia Yogurt is involved in a class action law suit because the amount of probiotics found in a single serving of the yogurt may not be significant enough to aid digestion. Goldfish were accused of not being Natural because they have the potential to have a GMO ingredient included in them. Chobani Yogurt has been involved in litigation and accused of trying to hide the sugar in the label by using evaporated cane juice instead of other more common sugars on the label.  

The most alarming of them all? Blue Sky Soda. Being sued because a consumer was outraged the product was not manufactured in New Mexico, which they assumed because of the Southwest Native American style artwork on the can. Yes, they are being sued because the product was made in California as opposed to New Mexico where the consumer thought it was made.

So the question becomes what can I do to protect myself? What can I do to protect my employer? Here are 5 tips from Anthony on how you can stay out of the "Stew".

1.   Product Safety is #1.
2. Avoid statements which are factually true but may be misleading to a large number of people.
3. Everything in and about your product will be scrutinized. Be careful using descriptors such as "Natural", GMO Free", "Fresh", and "Organic".
4. Keep an eye on what is being said about other similar products. The Plaintiff's BAR will target similar products if they find success with another.
5. Watch what you say and how you say it. Make sure recorded documents and conversations tell a good story about you and your company.

If you or your company have any questions or concerns about legalities in the Food Industry, please contact Anthony directly at the Sedgwick Law firm in Chicago. He and his team will be happy to work with other CSIFT Members.  Download full presentation 

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you, your families, and friends. We look forward to seeing you in the New Year at our Chocolate Tasting Event at Everest downtown in January.

Glenn Bluemer, CSIFT Chair-Elect  

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Would you like to have an impact on the future of the Chicago Section IFT? Do you want to apply or improve your leadership skills?

The Chicago Section is vibrant and in good financial health. In order to keep it growing and provide new ideas and value to our membership we need volunteers who contribute some of their time and enthusiasm in a number of elected positions.

If you are interested in serving the Chicago Section IFT in this capacity, we would like to hear from you. As an Officer or Executive Committee Member, you should be active, attend the monthly meetings and participate in a committee. You will be involved in lively discussions and decision-making for the Section. This is a great opportunity to share your experiences and knowledge with fellow members.  Download article 

These are the positions that we encourage you to run for:

• Chair-Elect (commitment of three years, serves as Program Chair during the first year, Section Chair during the second year, and Awards and Nominations during the third year.)
• Secretary(takes minutes during the Executive Committee Meetings.) - Open Position - Nominations Needed!
• Executive Committee Members (4 positions open with commitment of three years, responsible for strategic thinking and voting of Section Activities for the betterment of the Section.)

If you are interested in running for a Leadership Role in the Chicago Section IFT please call me at 224-523-6367 or send an email to jchambers@dmhingredients.com by December 19.

Thank you for your support!

John Chambers

Awards and Nominating Committee Chair 2014-2015