Food Label News, Government Actions for Food Labels, FDA Regulations, Food Labels, Nutrition Labels
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Volume 8, Number 3 - March 2007

IN THIS ISSUE:

About Food Consulting Company

"Thank you for all your efforts; your level of investigation was necessary in doing a correct and good job. You can use me for a referral anytime!"

~ Ted Stebbins
Ted Stebbins Distributing Co.

Dear Readers,

We send Food Label News to keep you informed about food label regulations and to remind you that Food Consulting Company is a ready resource when you need food label help. We know food labeling can be tedious and eat up your valuable time. Call on us to help. See www.foodlabels.com.

Q.  If a product does not contain any allergens should you still put "Allergens: Contains none" on the label?  
     N. S., Food Manufacturer & Co-Packer, Pennsylvania

 

A.   The statement "Allergens: Contains none" is misleading and is therefore discouraged. The "big eight" allergens account for 90 percent of food allergies and it would not be wise to suggest that a product does not contain any of the other possible allergens. Read more at Reader Q&A Page.

 

Submit a question for the Reader Q&A Spot (no charge).

FDA Reminds on Food Labels Claims

In February 2007, FDA posted Guidance on the Agency web site reminding manufacturers and distributors of conventional food products about the different types of labeling claims available for use on conventional food products. The Guidance identifies the four types of claims that can be used in food labeling (health claims, structure/function claims, nutrient content claims, and dietary guidance) and provides basic details of use along with examples of each type of claim.

The Guidance also reminds industry that in certain circumstances product information that is disseminated over the Internet can meet the definition of labeling, and therefore the Internet information might be subject to the regulations for labeling claims.

See Guidance.

Commentary: FDA actually encourages labelers to use claims when products qualify, however using claims on product labels can be tricky. Food Consulting Company can help match claims to products.


Food Labels Allergens – Coconut Counts as Tree Nut

In October 2006, FDA updated the Agency’s "Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens" in part to identify 19 nuts that are considered to be "tree nuts" and 9 grains that are considered "wheat" for purposes of allergen labeling. The allergen Act (FALCPA) identifies the "big eight" food allergens as milk, egg, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. Clients to Food Consulting Company continue to be surprised to learn that:

  • tree nuts include coconut, chestnut, lichee and pine nut

  • wheat includes spelt, kamut and triticale

See Guidance.

Commentary: In December 2006, Food Label News reported on FDA's latest guidance (4th Edition). The newsletter will report on further developments related to allergen labeling.


Amendment Will Expand Soluble Fiber/CHD Claim

In response to a petition, FDA is proposing to amend the health claim for the relationship between soluble fiber from certain foods and risk of coronary heart disease. The amendment would expand the use of this health claim to some whole oat products that are currently ineligible.

If adopted, the amendment would exempt certain foods from the "low fat" requirement if the food exceeds the fat limit because the fat comes from whole oat sources. Stakeholders are invited to comment on the proposed amendment and can also address whether whole oat food products that contain sources of fat other than whole oats should be exempt from the "low fat" requirement.

See Proposed Amendment.

Service Tip:  Product Development Help
Do you have a new product that's not quite ready for labeling because you are still working on the product formula? Do you need help with product development? Contact Food Consulting Company for a referral.

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© 2007
Food Consulting Company
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