ACI’s Advanced Summit on Food Law Regulation, Compliance, and Litigation

The American Conference Institute’s (“ACI”) milestone 10th Anniversary edition of its Advanced Summit on Food Law, Compliance and Regulation is scheduled to take place from April 28–29, 2026 at the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites in Chicago, IL.

Since ACI’s last summit, the food industry continues to navigate legal and regulatory uncertainty marked by shifting federal priorities, state-level activism, and global trade disruptions.  With FDA and USDA reorganizations underway, pending rulemaking on GRAS reform, ultra-processed foods, and labeling mandates, plus heightened state activity affecting food, and new litigation risks, this year’s program will deliver critical insights to help you stay ahead.

Key topics to be discussed at this year’s event include:

• Reconcile state and federal food laws amid federal regulatory pendency
• Prepare for potential GRAS reform and elimination of self-GRAS
• Assess how state and federal initiatives are converging to define “processed” vs “ultra-processed” in food production
• Anticipate the MAHA Report’s impact on dietary guidelines and industry priorities
• Navigate the legal fallout of tariffs and immigration enforcement on the food industry
• Align packaging and recycling practices to comply with state EPR packaging laws and PFAS restrictions
• Develop practical crisis management protocols through a mock recall and inspection

This is your exclusive opportunity to connect with leading legal and regulatory minds in the food industry as they address the most urgent challenges of 2026 and beyond. Attend and gain invaluable insights to shape actionable strategies, benchmark with industry peers, and prepare for the upcoming wave of regulatory and legal hurdles that will impact the food sector.

Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.’s Riëtte van Laack will be speaking at the conference.  FDA Law Blog is a conference media partner. As such, we can offer our readers a special 10% discount. The discount code is: D10-999-FDA26.  You can access the conference brochure and sign up for the event here.  We look forward to seeing you at the conference.