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Volume 11, Number 2 - February 2010

 

Hello from Food Label News. Here's to keeping you current and in the know. We hope your 2010 is off to a productive start with products aplenty. You can always count on our support as your virtual food labeling department.

In this issue you'll find:

Karen C. Duester, President

 

" Thanks for the prompt and expert execution of my latest request. Really appreciate your fine services."

– Frank Urban, 
Urban Renaissance

 

Codex and Why We Care

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) is an international body that establishes food standards under the joint auspices of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Both the United States and Canada participate with Codex to promote international harmonization of food standards. Codex has no direct impact on food labels for products sold in the United States or Canada until the countries act on a Codex decision.

We research reports from Codex as one of the many sources to bring you insights about food labeling. See Codex Alimentarius website.

  Keeping You Current

NYC spearheads a National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI)

NSRI proposes sodium targets for packaged and restaurant food categories

Institute of Medicine asked to review front-of-pack labeling

FDA information collection for dietary supplement structure/function claims

Periodically Food Consulting Company receives questions regarding Codex. The Codex standards would be an important aid to companies that export food products. Food labelers labeling products for sale in the U.S. or Canada are not obligated to comply with Codex decisions unless they are included in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations or the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations.


Implied Nutrient Content Claims: Instructional Series Part 6 of 10

This month's installment in our ten-part series describes the use of implied nutrient content claims on food labels. This 10-part instructional series is based on a 2009 publication titled "Silliker Nutrient and Health Claims U.S. Regulatory Guide" that was cooperatively developed by Food Consulting Company and Silliker, Inc., a leading provider of laboratory nutrition analysis. 

View/print Part 6 of the series.

Did you know that "only 3g carb per serving" is an implied nutrient content claim? The word "only" implies a low level, and therefore this claim is invalid and would trigger an FDA warning. See the Guide for more on implied nutrient content claims.

If you missed earlier parts of the series you can view and download them now. (Get Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 or Part 5.) The pages from all parts will add up to the complete booklet.


Reader Q&A

Find answers to our readers' questions or send us your question for an upcoming issue.

Q.

If lecithin is present, does soy need to be claimed as an allergen?
J.W., Food Company, Michigan

A.

Yes, for FDA regulated foods, if lecithin is derived from soy then soy needs to be listed in plain, common English within the ingredient statement. In addition, soy would also be included if you are using a separate "Contains" allergen statement. Read more.


At Your Service

Food Consulting Company, founded in 1993, provides nutrition analysis, food labeling and regulatory support to ensure 100% compliance with FDA regulations. With over 1,000 clients worldwide, Food Consulting Company's services are ideal for start-up and established food manufacturers, distributors, food importers, brokers, and restaurateurs. Contact Us for more information about your food labeling needs.

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