Why It Matters

Nutrinova’s core business is under fire. Congress is advancing bipartisan legislation directly threatening food additives including the No Tricks on Treats Act requiring prominent labeling of nonnutritive sweeteners and the Food Chemical Reassessment Act mandating FDA safety reviews of existing additives every three years.

This has sparked Nutrinova’s to lobby for the first time. The company assembled a specialized team of four Holland & Knight LLP lobbyists with deep FDA regulatory expertise. The strategic hire signals urgency: lawmakers from both parties are actively scrutinizing food additives, and the regulatory environment has shifted decisively toward greater restrictions.

By the Numbers

Nutrinova enters with no prior lobbying expenditures and has never hired a lobbying firm. Holland & Knight LLP, retained January 1, 2025, represents over 140 clients and generates more than $88 million annually.

The four-person team brings specialized expertise:

  • Michal Ilana Freedhoff holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry and spent 18+ years on Capitol Hill, including as Oversight Director for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
  • Michael J. Werner specializes in FDA regulation with two decades of experience on pharma approvals and ingredient pathways.
  • Richard M. Gold represents major chemical manufacturers like the American Chemistry Council and Dow Chemical.
  • Parker M. Reynolds brings recent Republican House staff connections from his role with Rep. Liz Cheney.

The Agenda

Nutrinova is lobbying on "issues related to food additives," targeting products that directly affect its acesulfame potassium and potassium sorbate business.

Multiple bills are advancing this session. The H.R.5882 "No Tricks on Treats Act" would require front-of-package labeling for nonnutritive sweeteners. The Food Chemical Reassessment Act would mandate FDA safety reviews every three years. The Better FDA Act targets the "GRAS loophole."

The momentum is bipartisan. Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-CA) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) introduced the labeling bill. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) reintroduced the reassessment measure. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) plans food additive legislation as part of broader health initiatives.

Broader Context

Food additive regulation has become a central 2025 policy priority. The Trump administration’s "Make America Healthy Again" initiative has targeted over 2,500 food additives, with nonnutritive sweeteners—Nutrinova’s core products—specifically flagged.

The FDA is moving independently, announcing plans to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes and fast-tracking natural alternatives. Major manufacturers—Nestlé, Kraft Heinz, and General Mills—have voluntarily committed to removing synthetic dyes, suggesting industry expectations that restrictions are inevitable.

This confluence of executive action, bipartisan legislation, FDA initiative, and industry preemption creates an environment where established additives face potential demand destruction.

Between The Lines

Congress is moving aggressively, creating urgency for Nutrinova’s lobbying push. The legislative activity reflects bipartisan concern across multiple bills directly threatening the company’s business model.

Senate involvement signals momentum. Senator Roger Marshall’s planned legislation and FDA appropriations hearings in both chambers will determine the agency’s capacity for reassessments.

Competitive Landscape

Nutrinova enters a crowded field of ingredient manufacturers already lobbying on food additives. The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association and International Flavors & Fragrances are actively engaged, along with major food companies like Unilever, Tyson Foods, and J.R. Simplot.

These competitors have existing congressional relationships and first-mover advantage. Nutrinova’s Holland & Knight team provides immediate access to established industry coalitions through the firm’s representation of chemical industry heavyweights.

The Bottom Line

Nutrinova faces direct threats from bipartisan legislation targeting its core sweetener products. The company’s defensive strategy includes hiring specialized lobbyists with chemistry expertise and deep congressional experience, positioning it to engage technical policy debates in a crowded field of established competitors.

For more detailed insights access Legis1. Request a demo today!

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article