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Summary
Article on 2006 Food Labels requirements.
What is required by January 1, 2006?
There are two new requirements:
1 - Trans fat declaration on the Nutrition Facts label.
2 - Ingredient Statement that is compliant with new food allergen labeling
laws.
Click here to view
2006-compliant food label components.
How do I get the trans fat value of my product?
Based on your formula and ingredient specification sheets, Food
Consulting Company calculates this for you.
Do I have to update the Nutrition Facts label if my product
does not contain trans fat?
Yes. If the trans fat value is 0, this must be declared on the
Nutrition Facts label.
My product qualifies for a "simplified Nutrition Facts" and
has a 0 value for total. Do I still have to report trans fat?
No, this type of Nutrition Facts label does not have to be
revised to include a 0 value for trans fat. However, you must
still consider if your product contains or has been in contact
with any of the eight major allergens; if so, your Ingredient
Statement must be revised to indicate this.
What information is needed to assure that my Ingredient
Statement complies with the new law?
An ingredient specification sheet for each raw material
used in the production of the product is needed. Food
Consulting Company will develop a compliant
Ingredient/Allergen Statement based on the spec sheets, and
include a statement about the possible unintentional presence
of food allergens due to equipment sharing or other
manufacturing practices when indicated by you or tested at our
laboratory.
What food allergens must be considered to prepare a compliant
Ingredient Statement?
The new allergen law identifies eight allergens, and
industry frequently refers to those as the “Big 8.” They are
milk, eggs, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and
shellfish. If a food or ingredient in a food contains or has
been in contact with any of the “big eight” allergens, the
Ingredient Statement for this product must indicate this as
specified by the new law.
How do I get the trans fat and allergen information on the
product label?
Food Consulting Company provides you with the compliant
print-ready label components; you provide these to your
printer or package designer for placement into the label
artwork.
When should I get started?
The sooner the better; you definitely want the information
ready for your upcoming or next print run. Remember, your products must
carry compliant labels by January 1, 2006.
How much will it cost?
A formatted Nutrition
Facts label with trans fat and accurate values for all
required nutrients is $250. Ingredient/Allergen Statements are
$250.
Where can I access the FDA documents that explain the new
requirements?
For trans fat labeling, see
www.fda.gov/oc/initiatives/transfat.
For food allergen labeling, see
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/alrguid4.html.
How can I stay informed on government actions for food labels?
Subscribe to Food
Label News, a free monthly email publication by Food
Consulting Company.
Can I get started right away?
Yes. You have three choices to do this.
1-
Place an online order.
2- Print the forms
for offline ordering and fax the completed forms to
800-522-3545.
3- Contact us for more information. |
