Food Label News ArchiveFood Label News SubscriptionsNutritional Analysis Food Labels - Food Nutrition Facts LabelsFood Consulting Company: Nutrition-Labeling-Regulatory

Volume 12, Number 3 - March 2011

Hello from Food Label News. This month we discuss the newly released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and their impact on food labels. Hot off the press, you'll also find a link to the new allergen regulations for food labels in Canada. We also feature the first in a series of case studies to shed light on important food label issues. We invite our valued clients to contact us to be included in this program and celebrate the work we've done together.

In this issue you'll find:

Karen C. Duester, President

 

"Sundia has used the services of the Food Consulting Company on many varied occasions and I have found their work to be thorough, on-time, reasonable and meets expectations."

– Dan Hoskins, 
Sundia Corporation

 

 


Dietary Guidelines for Americans

What is the acceptable level of sodium intake for most Americans today? What is the maximum level of daily dietary cholesterol for the average adult?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans serves as the cornerstone for all public policy regarding food and nutrition. First published in 1980 and updated every 5 years, the 2010 Guidelines were just released on January 31, 2011, with recommendations for humans two years old or older. This collection of recommendations establishes the scientific basis for all federal nutrition programs, including research, education, nutrition assistance, labeling and nutrition promotion.

The 2010 update focuses on obesity prevention. With more than 1/3 of children and 2/3 of adults either overweight or obese, the overarching message is clear: Americans can achieve overall health with a lifestyle that focuses on consuming fewer calories, making informed food choices and being physically active. The committee released 23 specific key recommendations for the general population and 6 for specific population groups.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans give FDA and USDA a framework for developing food label regulations. Companies that wish to include optional Dietary Guidance Statements on their food labels must make certain that they do not conflict with Dietary Guidelines for Americans in any way.

Keeping You Current

NEW: Allergen regulations for food labels in Canada

USDA's Economic Research Service: Will Calorie Labeling in Restaurants Make A Difference?

CSPI urges FDA to prohibit "carcinogenic" caramel color; Am Bev Assoc responds


Join Food Label Community
for a discussion of the news


From the Archive

What is the current DV for sodium (2,400 mg) based on?

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans adds momentum to the debate about sodium. One of the key recommendations makes clear that 1,500 mg of sodium is the maximum recommendation for about half of the U.S. population. This may stimulate additional FDA actions related to sodium. Will we see a downward revision on the Daily Value for sodium from the current 2,400 mg? Will we see a shift from salt as a GRAS ingredient to a food additive? We will be sure to report on any new developments.


"Americanizing" Foreign Packaging: A Case Study

A marketing/package designer working for a U.S. food importer needed to create labels for foreign foods that complied with FDA regulations. The goal was to ensure the products easily passed through U.S. Customs and FDA inspections at the border so they could be successfully marketed in the U.S.

Understanding the nuances between foreign and U.S. regulations is not trivial. Learn about the challenges this food importer faced and their approach to ensure 100% compliance in this case study.


Reader Q&A

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

Q.

I am working on a Canadian label with a sugar-free claim. The product has less than 0.4g sugar and 2g carbohydrate. Does this product qualify for the claim?
B.G., California, Canadian Importer

A.

In Canada, only products that are both sugar-free (less than 0.5g sugar per serving) and calorie-free (less than 5 calories per serving) qualify for a "sugar-free" claim.  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 well over 1,000 clients worldwide, we’re pleased to provide information to address your food labeling needs.

We value our relationships and are working to stay connected. To build your network, we invite you to connect with us via LinkedIn and while you’re there, join the Food Label Community.

You may reprint all or part of this newsletter, provided you attribute it to Food Label News and include a link to www.foodlabels.com.

© 2011. Food Consulting Company, Del Mar, CA. All rights reserved.