News

On Dec. 2, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), announced that the U.S. Marshals Service seized approximately 73,000 units of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products—valued at roughly $1 million—from three firms in Missouri.

The seizure focused on foods and dietary supplement products, including liquid shots and tablets, containing concentrated 7-OH as an added ingredient. Concentrated 7-OH is increasingly recognized as having the potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors. It cannot be lawfully added to dietary supplements or conventional foods. These products are considered adulterated because 7-OH does not meet applicable safety standards. Also, the FDA has not approved 7-OH for medical use.

“This enforcement action is a strong step to protect Americans from the dangers of concentrated 7-OH products, which are potent opioids,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “We must be proactive and vigilant to address emerging threats to our communities and our kids.”

These recent operations demonstrate coordinated federal enforcement efforts against concentrated 7-OH products. The FDA reminds all manufacturers and distributors that they must ensure their products comply with all applicable federal requirements.

On Nov. 28, 2025, Costco filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly overstepping its authority to impose sweeping tariffs this year, seeking a refund if the Supreme Court ultimately strikes them down.

The tariffs were imposed under a law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which some companies and states, in other ongoing lawsuits, argue does not allow the president to levy broad import taxes on all foreign goods. The Supreme Court is already reviewing whether the IEEPA authorizes the president to impose tariffs in V.O.S. Selections v. Trump, a consolidated case argued on Nov. 5, 2025. Costco said both the Court of International Trade and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit had previously held that the IEEPA did not grant the president tariff-setting power.

Costco expressed concern that it might struggle to get a refund once its tariff bills have been finalized in a process called “liquidation" by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which will start Dec. 15, 2025. Importers have 180 days after liquidation to protest the tariff bills. Read more here.

Chase Cash & Carry, Inc. is a distributor of full line products to convenience stores.

Contact information for Chase Cash & Carry, Inc. is as follows:

Kal Turfah
kal_ccc@hotmail.com
Chase Cash & Carry, Inc.
6700 Chase Road
Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 582-1200

On Dec. 2, 2025, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on a lawsuit brought by Kealani Distribution, LLC and six other vaping-related companies, plus a vaping trade group, against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about whether the agency properly considered the impact on small businesses of its 2021 regulation requiring premarket authorization for new tobacco products, including electronic vaping products.

As reported by Law 360, the judges questioned whether the agency complied with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which requires that federal agencies assess how new regulations affect smaller firms. The vaping company plaintiffs argued that the FDA relied on outdated economic data and imposed disproportionate costs that could drive many small businesses out of the market.

During the oral arguments, the three-judge panel of the Circuit Court of Appeals pressed the FDA on its shift in position between 2016 and 2021, when the agency moved from a more flexible approach to requiring extensive scientific evidence for new products.

The case comes amid broader challenges to the FDA’s handling of Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (PMTAs), including disputes over flavored e-cigarette denials. Read more here.

On Dec. 3, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched new versions of the agency’s primary forms for tobacco product manufacturers to submit or amend Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (PMTAs) and Substantial Equivalence (SE) reports. The new application forms can be found on the CTP Portal Next Generation  (CTP Portal NextGen) web portal. The CTP Portal NextGen is a new and improved web portal for submitting tobacco product applications electronically. Read more here.

The University of Innovative Distribution (UID) will be held from March 16-19, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN, offering a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry. The UID experience is designed to enhance attendees' knowledge, skills, and abilities to support immediate application into their work environment.

The course curriculum is taught by world-class instructors who know distribution, with course tracks including distribution strategy leadership, management, operations, sales and marketing.

Early Bird Special:
Register by January 16, 2026, and save $220!

Click here to learn more about the 2026 UID program or contact Lauren Herbert with questions.

On Nov. 21, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) announced a Federal Register notice (FRN) scheduling a virtual Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting on Jan. 22, 2026, to discuss the modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) applications  from Swedish Match USA, Inc. for twenty ZYN nicotine pouch products.

In January 2025, the FDA authorized the marketing of these 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway following an extensive scientific review. The manufacturer is seeking to market the 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products with a modified risk claim, which requires by law an additional authorization from the FDA. Earlier this year, the FDA filed the ZYN MRTP applications for substantive scientific review, and they are available for public comment.

December 15, 2025 at 1:00 pm ET

Register now for this highly requested tobacco update webinar featuring Ajay Yadagiri and Paul Grubbs, senior vice presidents of Management Science Associates (MSA). Ajay and Paul will discuss what is happening in the nicotine industry, including current trends and other interesting insights for wholesalers and retailers.

Can’t attend the webinar on Dec. 15? Still register to attend and you’ll receive a recording of the webinar directly to your inbox on Dec. 16. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions.

On Nov. 24, CDA filed comments with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) concerning the proposed Updated Staple Food Stocking Standards for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This proposed rule would codify a new framework for determining certain staple food varieties to meet staple food requirements for retailers participating in SNAP. Specifically, the rule would expand the minimum number of staple food varieties SNAP retailers must carry. The requirements are unduly burdensome for the smaller retail establishments which provide an essential service to participants in SNAP. Because of the limited space, both on the floor and in the stockroom, of most convenience stores, meeting these new minimum variety requirements could cause thousands of stores to exit SNAP and could pose significant financial burdens for both retailers and distributors. CDA urges USDA to come up with a new proposal to ensure the rule does not unreasonably restrict the number and type of locations SNAP beneficiaries can redeem their benefits.

On Nov. 11, 2025, the House Education and Workforce Committee’s Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing titled “E-Verify: Ensuring Lawful Employment in America.” The hearing was held to examine the E-Verify program and how it can empower legal employment and protect American workers.

Subcommittee Chairman Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA) said in his opening statement, "E-Verify is a free, reliable, and proven program run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) which helps employers verify they are only hiring those with a legal right to work in America. E-Verify helps protect Americans from having their wages undercut by bad actors hiring unauthorized workers. It also helps to provide a level playing field for employers who play by the rules and treat American workers with respect and dignity.”

Witnesses and Committee members shared their perspectives on how mandatory E-Verify in their states and industries has worked for them. They also discussed the need to enhance workforce development to bolster the American workforce in their industries and districts.

When the House of Representatives and the Senate passed a minibus funding bill and Continuing Resolution (CR) reopening the government on Nov. 12, 2025, the bill included language bolstering the federal government's efforts to address the illicit e-cigarette market. The language in the CR was taken from the Ensuring the Necessary Destruction of (END) Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act - S. 3148 and H.R. 5986 - introduced by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) on Nov. 7, 2025.

The CR includes $200M for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use specifically for "enforcement activities related to e-cigarettes, vapes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems." Additionally, the bill designates $2M for the continuation of the multi-agency task force also working to curb the illicit market. Finally, the legislation directs the Commissioner of the FDA to update and publish the "Enforcement Priorities for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Other Deemed Products on the Market Without Premarket Authorization" to include flavored disposable ENDS products. Now that the minibus and CR has been signed into law by President Trump, the FDA has clear authority to destroy "adulterated, misbranded or counterfeit tobacco products," including e-cigarettes. Read more here.

In the third installment in our exclusive CDA member webinar series on FSMA Section 204(d), Tom Briant, CDA Policy Advisor, focused on the different kinds of barcodes and scanners that distributors will need to utilize to track incoming and outgoing food products to comply with the FDA’s FSMA Section 204(d) regulation. In addition, the webinar listed a series of guidance suggestions that distributors can undertake now to begin preparing for the implementation of the food tracing requirements.

Watch the on-demand webinar here. Contact Lauren Herbert with any questions.

CDA is excited to share the dates for CDBX 2027:

September 13 – 16, 2027
Omni Fort Worth Hotel
Fort Worth, TX

Previously Announced Events:

• Marketplace 2026: Feb. 16–18, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• CDBX 2026: Sept. 14–17, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, Aventura, FL
• Marketplace 2027: Feb. 22–24, Loews Arlington Hotel, Arlington, TX
• Marketplace 2028: February 28 - March 1,
  The Woodlands Waterway Marriot Hotel & Convention Center, The Woodlands, TX

Visit the CDA Events page for more details on all CDA events.

On Nov. 12, 2025, President Trump signed a government funding bill to officially end the longest shutdown in history after 43 days.

The House voted 222 to 209, with six Democrats voting for the bill and two Republicans opposing the package to pass the bill. The Senate voted 60 to 40 on Nov. 10, 2025, with seven Democrats and Independent Angus King (Maine) voting "yes" and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) voting "no."

The bill funds military construction, the legislative branch, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through Sept. 30, 2026. A continuing resolution (CR) funds the rest of the government through Jan. 30, 2026.

The Agriculture/FDA portion of the bill restores full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the rest of fiscal 2026, closes the “hemp loophole” and contains language on the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) Traceability Rule. The traceability language directs the FDA to submit a report to Congress outlining how they are supporting industry in implementing the rule through technical assistance and other means. According to the Senate summary, the hemp language “prevents the unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp-based or hemp-derived products, including Delta-8, from being sold online, in gas stations, and corner stores, while preserving non-intoxicating CBD and industrial hemp products.” Read more here.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX) introduced the Ensuring the Necessary Destruction of (END) Illicit Chinese Tobacco Act - S. 3148 and H.R. 5986 - on Nov. 7, 2025. The END Act would give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to destroy adulterated, misbranded or counterfeit imported tobacco products, such as vapes and e-cigarettes. The bi-partisan legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI).

“We have seen too many illegal vapes slipping through the enforcement cracks, posing health and safety risks to Americans,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “These dangerous and counterfeit products have been flooding into our country from places like China. The END Act will give federal agencies the tools that they need to destroy these counterfeit or misbranded goods before they reach our shelves.” Read more here.

Last week, members of the CDA team had the opportunity to visit Merchants Grocery Company, Inc. for a tour of operations with Merchants’ president and CEO Chris Smythers and other team members. This visit was particularly significant as it marked the first warehouse tour for CDA’s new president and CEO, Richard Owen, providing him with a firsthand view of the operations that drive the success of CDA members’ businesses.

Reflecting on the experience, Owen shared, “Visiting a member’s business today was truly eye-opening. Seeing the operations firsthand offered deep insight into how every role, process and decision seamlessly connects to drive the company forward.”

The tour offered valuable insights into the wholesale distribution industry, showcasing how members innovate, manage daily operations and navigate the unique challenges of their businesses. It also reinforced the importance of understanding these processes to identify ways CDA can continue to support members’ businesses.

To the right, Chris Smythers (right), Merchants Grocery Company, Inc. leads a tour of the Merchants warehouse.

Looking ahead, Owen expressed enthusiasm for visiting additional member businesses, learning more about their operations, innovations and challenges, and exploring opportunities for CDA to further strengthen member support.

As an association, CDA remains committed to bringing members together in the collective interest of their businesses, fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge and supporting the continued growth and success of the distribution industry.

To the left, next to a Merchants Grocery Company, Inc. truck are (l-r) Chris Smythers, Merchants; Richard Owen and Angie Simonetti, CDA; Carolyn Corbin, Merchants; Madi Dorsey and Jenn Finn, CDA; and Robbie Surratt, Merchants.

This week, members of CDA’s Industry Affairs Committee (IAC) Candy and Snacks Subcommittee traveled to Hershey, PA, to meet with The Hershey Company at their Global Customer Insights Center. The IAC is an important bridge between distributor members and their manufacturer partners. The work of the IAC is critical in addressing common-ground issues and opportunities for distributors with trading partners across all categories. The subcommittee had a productive meeting with the Hershey team, addressing key industry challenges impacting wholesalers and exploring collaborative solutions.

This trip marks the first IAC manufacturer visit for CDA’s new president and CEO, Richard Owen, who shared, “This meeting was a great demonstration of the value of partnerships between suppliers and distributors. I look forward to future IAC meetings where participants can discuss industry-specific opportunities and challenges.”

Interested in learning more about the work of the IAC? Contact Angie Simonetti at angies@cdaweb.net.

The University of Innovative Distribution (UID) will be held from March 16-19, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN, offering a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry. The UID experience is designed to enhance attendees' knowledge, skills, and abilities to support immediate application into their work environment.

The course curriculum is taught by world-class instructors who know distribution, with course tracks including distribution strategy leadership, management, operations, sales and marketing.

Early Bird Special:
Register by January 16, 2026, and save $220!

Click here to learn more about the 2026 UID program or contact Lauren Herbert with questions.

FutureNomics: The Economic Snapshot You Need Now
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm CT

Mary Kelly, one of the world’s most influential economists, returns for an insightful look at today’s economic forces. From interest rates and trade to housing and investment trends. Learn how to make data-driven decisions, protect your bottom line, and prepare your team for 2026 and beyond.

Discover more of what Marketplace Education has to offer in this short video!

Exhibitors

• Exhibit space for Marketplace 2026 is sold out.
• Exhibitor registration for Marketplace 2027 will open in the spring.

Questions? Reach out to eventsupport@cdaweb.net.

Marketplace Website | Distributor Registration | Exhibit Space Registration
Schedule | Education | Hotel and Travel

*The distributor showcase is for CDA member distributors only. Participation is required.
By attending Marketplace 2026, you agree to the CDA Notices & Disclaimers.