Volume 14, Number
3 - March 2014
Big news from Food Label News.
The long-awaited proposed rules for changes to the Nutrition
Facts and Supplement Facts labels were released by FDA last
week. In this issue, we review the implications for food
labelers and connect you with what your colleagues are
saying in the
Food Label Community on LinkedIn. As the industry sorts
through the proposed changes, we will continue to answer
your questions about the current regulations. Be sure to
read this month's Reader Q&A about percent Daily Values.
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FDA Issues Proposed Rules for
Changes
to the Nutrition Label
When food label news finds its way into the popular press
it's a big deal for our industry. No doubt you've heard all
about FDA's proposed changes to the Nutrition Facts and
Supplement Facts labels in the trade and consumer media. The
goal: to provide updated nutrition information on the food
label to assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary
practices. One thing is for sure: this is just the beginning
of a multi-year process.
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Here's what you need to know:
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On March 3,
FDA published two Proposed Rules in the Federal Register regarding
important revisions to nutrition labeling:
first,
second. |
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Highlights of the proposed changes: label format and appearance, serving
sizes for several items especially "single-serve" packages, and
reference amounts for Daily Values. FDA also proposes to include Added
Sugars, Vitamin D and Potassium as "mandatory" Nutrition Facts
nutrients, while Vitamin A and Vitamin C would become "voluntary" and
Calories from Fat would be eliminated. |
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FDA provides a 90-day comment period, although the Agency may extend the
comment period. |
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Following
the comment period, FDA will review all comments and either open another
comment period or publish the final requirements. |
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There is no specified period of time for FDA to publish the final
requirements. |
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See a side-by-side
comparison of the current and proposed Nutrition Facts label on the FDA website
here. |
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There is no immediate action required to ensure
that your food labels comply with these proposed
regulations. It is likely that the proposed
rules will change (at least somewhat) before FDA
publishes final regulations. Also, this process
will take at least a year and FDA will provide
two additional years before compliance is
required. |
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What's News in the Food Label
Community
Keep current with what's
important to food labelers at our virtual water cooler: the
Food Label Community on LinkedIn.
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Initial thoughts from food labelers on
FDA's new proposed rules |
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What will count as Added Sugars? |
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Canadian labeling regulation for polydextrose |
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Reader Q&A
Find
answers to our readers'
questions or send us
your question for an
upcoming issue.
Q. |
I would like to know when labeling of Daily Values is
required on a label. Is it determined by the size of the
container or net weight of the contents?
− P.S., Illinois, Start-up Company |
A. |
U.S. regulations require that percent Daily Values (%DV)
of certain nutrients be displayed within the Nutrition
Facts Panel. This is independent of the product's net
weight or size.
Read more. |
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What matters in food labeling
Food Label News,
now in its 14th year, is a monthly e-newsletter reaching
over 8,000 subscribers around the world. We
welcome your colleagues to subscribe for news and insights
about food labels:
www.foodlabels.com/subscribe
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Your virtual
food label partner
Food Consulting Company,
founded in 1993, provides nutrition analysis, food labeling,
and regulatory support for more than 1,500 clients worldwide.
Our
guarantee: 100% regulatory compliance.
Contact us
for the help you need now.
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© 2014. Food Consulting Company, Del Mar, CA. All rights reserved.
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