JULY 2001
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...INTOUCH...
Monthly Updates on Government Action Affecting Food Labels
July 6, 2001
Brought to you by The Food Consulting Company
Your source for food label help
http://www.foodlabels.com
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Greetings!
During the last month, we've helped 10 new clients
simplify the
regulatory process for labeling their products. We
welcome
these new clients on board!
NOW THE NEWS!
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NFPA Releases Allergen Guidelines
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The National Food Processors Association (NFPA) in
cooperation with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis
Network
(FAAN) has released "Food Allergen Labeling
Guidelines"
to the food industry. Per the document: when any of
the
eight major allergens are present either intentionally
or
incidentally, manufacturers will identify the
allergens using
terms commonly understood by consumers; allergens
will
be identified in the ingredient statement or in
immediate
proximity to it. Read the guidelines:
http://www.nfpa-food.org/science/FoodAllergenLabelingGuidelines.htm
Author's Note: This is the third consecutive .....Intouch.....
publication period where food industry and FDA actions
related to allergens have occurred. See May 3, 2001
and
June 1, 2001 editions.
http://www.foodlabels.com/newsletter.htm)
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FTC Warns Companies Making Unsubstantiated Claims
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On June 14, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
announced
six enforcement actions involving internet marketing
of dietary
supplements where false and unsubstantiated health
claims
are made. FTC's action is part of a coordinated
effort with
FDA to crack down on violations of regulations for
food and
drug marketing at internet sites. See FTC press
release:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/06/cureall.htm
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FDA Calls Web Address on Label Extension of Food Label
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In a warning letter to a food company, FDA argues that
by
putting an internet address on a food label, the
website
becomes an extension of the label and therefore the
web
site content must comply to labeling regulations.
Products
are cited for the assertion that they treat, cure or
mitigate
disease. FDA warns the claims are beyond the scope of
claims that are permitted on foods. Read warning
letter:
http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/m5075n.pdf
Author's Note: A July 1, 2001 review of the web sites
cited shows the sites have been modified to comply to
FDA regulations.
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FYI TIP: The Food Consulting Company will review your
web
site content to assure compliance with FTC and FDA
labeling
regulations.
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