Volume
7, Number 1 - January 2006
IN THIS ISSUE:
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About Food Consulting Company
"Thank you for the thorough analysis and
quick turn around of our labels. All points
have been implemented and we are already
moving forward to final artwork. Your team
is easy to do business with."
– Jay Highman, President & CEO
Nature's One, Inc.
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Happy New Year to all Food Labelers! Save time
and reduce stress in the new year by ordering a
prepaid plan for regulatory support from Food
Consulting Company. With a plan, you will get
timely, accurate answers to questions that might
otherwise stump and slow you down. Order a plan
and you can think of Food Consulting Company as
your "quick reference" and reliable, accurate
helper in 2006. See the plans and place an
order:
www.foodlabels.com. |
FDA Final Guidance - Extension to
Use Existing Food Labels Stock
On December 30, 2005, FDA issued a revised final guidance
for "Requesting an Extension to Use Existing
Label Stock after the Trans Fat Labeling
Effective Date of January 1, 2006." According to
the guidance, FDA:
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has defined five factors it intends to
consider for "extension" requests, including
whether the declared label value for trans
fat is 0.5g or less per serving.
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believes firms would use existing labels for
no longer than 12 months from the date the
agency issues a letter back to the firm
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will consider requests on a case-by-case
basis
This final guidance does not address allergen
labeling requirements that were also mandatory
on January 1, 2006.
Read the
revised final guidance
on extension requests for trans fat labeling.
Commentary: Food Consulting Company
reported and commented on the "extension option"
in the October, 2005, issue of Food Label News.
Access the archive at
www.foodlabels.com/newsletter.htm.
Regardless of whether or not an extension is
requested and then approved by FDA,
manufacturers who have food labels
that are not yet in compliance with January 1,
2006, requirements for trans fat and allergen
labeling are obligated to get into compliance.
Food Consulting Company can help companies
overcome labeling obstacles; see
www.foodlabels.com.
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More on Food Labels Allergen Requirement
On December 14, 2005, FDA issued a revision of
"Guidance for Industry-Questions and Answers
Regarding Food Allergens, including the Food
Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of
2004." The revised guidance explains that the
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act does
not apply to major allergens that are
unintentionally added to a food as a result of
cross-contact.
Read the
revised final guidance
on food allergen labeling.
Commentary: For a quick overview of food
allergen labeling requirements, see
www.foodlabels.com/2006
and read the article posted at
www.foodlabels.com/2006-article.htm.
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FDA Stand on Food
Labels Claims for Whole Grains
In a November 8, 2005, letter, FDA denied a
citizen petition that requested that FDA develop
definitions for "excellent source," "good
source," and "made with," as descriptors for the
whole grain content of foods.
Currently, the terms requested in the petition
are defined for use only as nutrient content
claims for nutrients with established Daily
Values.
In the letter, FDA identifies issues
that need to be addressed prior to defining
these terms as descriptors for whole grain
content, including:
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whether "whole grains" should be considered
as a nutrient, a food ingredient, a food
category, or something else
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the regulatory implications about
classification of label statements such as
dietary guidance, nutrient content claims,
or health claims
The denial letter explains that statements of
fact such as "10g of whole grains per serving"
and "100% whole grain oatmeal" are allowed, as
long as the statements are truthful and not
misleading.
Read the
denial letter.
Commentary: In December 2005, Food
Label News reported on use of MyPyramid on food
labels, including references
to whole grain that state or imply a high or
increased amount. Access the archive at
www.foodlabels.com/newsletter.htm.
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FYI: On
November 9, 2005, the Health Freedom Protection
Act was introduced into the U.S. House of
Representatives. The Act seeks to protect
freedom of speech in the labeling and
advertising of conventional foods and dietary
supplements. |
Get more from
Food Label News: Send
topic suggestions.
Need help now? Submit a question for Regulatory
Research or subscribe to an Annual Regulatory
Support Plan at
www.foodlabels.com/orders.© Food Consulting Company, 2006
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tel 800-793-2844 or 858-793-4658
fax 800-522-3545 or 858-712-3323
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