The issue of government and food and beverage encompasses many related fields. In the United States, government regulation of food stems from the belief that consumers need protection against food companies that may not exercise reasonable care when it comes to making and selling food and beverages. Owners and operators of candy manufacturing facilities, distillers of alcoholic beverages, even employees at an inner city neighborhood grocery store-all must comply with some kind of food industry law. Few retailers can ignore the impact of food and beverage regulations on their businesses.

Two of the most highly regulated areas within the food and beverage industry relate to government food programs and the law relating to beverage advertising. Supermarkets large and small must know which government food programs in their areas provide financial aid to individuals buying food and beverages. In addition, alcoholic beverage manufacturers are held to stringent standards when it comes to the content and delivery of their advertisements. Start your search for government regulation of food by checking out some noteworthy topics:

1. Create advertisements that comply with government and food industry regulations.

2. Learn how your company must develop procedures that respond to government food programs.

3. Find government food and beverage legislation that federal agencies enforce nationwide.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Discover the specifics of beverage ads and government law

Make sure your advertising and marketing department knows the law regarding beverage advertisements.

I recommend: The Federal Trade Commission is a federal law enforcement agency that seeks to protect consumers by ensuring companies adhere to government policy, such as regulations for food and beverage. Contact the Commission to obtain its reports on food industry regulations so that your beverage advertisements comply with federal law. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, a self-regulatory organization in the alcoholic beverages industry, has on its website the Code Of Responsible Practices for Beverage Alcohol Advertising and Marketing. Contact the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States for other semi-annual codes and standards regarding alcoholic beverages advertising.

Deal with government food programs affecting your business

If you're a food and beverage retailer, you must learn how to get government approval and how to accept the food stamp benefits some customers will be using to pay for their food.

I recommend: The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service maintains a website providing retailers with information on how they can deal with government food programs, such as the food stamp program and the related electronic benefits transfer system. The Community of Food and Nutrition Program receives federal grants for approved state and local agencies devoted to providing public food assistance to low income individuals. Contact this program to learn how your agency may qualify to receive these funds.

Comply with food and beverage government regulations

If you're running a retail store that sells food and beverages, you must know the federal and state laws regarding food service, safety and handling.

I recommend: The United States Food and Drug Administration publishes the Food Code, a document that federal and state law makers consider the foundation for rules and procedures that the food and beverage industry should follow. Registrar Corp understands the complexities of federal regulations governing the food and beverage industry. Contact this organization for assistance with registering with United States regulatory agencies and complying with food and beverage legislation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Since regulations for food and beverage within the United States come from each level of government, it is best to start by learning the federal mandates that the state and local agencies base their policies on.