Volume 16, Number
12 - December 2016
Hello from Food Label News.
2016 comes to a close, as does our 7 part series on new
nutrition labeling regulations. If you missed any of the
series, be sure to view
past articles to better understand how the new
regulations affect your business and what you must do to
prepare. Also, breaking news yesterday, USDA announces its
Proposed Rule for Nutrition Facts. You will find many
helpful discussions in the
Food Label Community. Wishing you all
a healthy happy new year and a world with peace!
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Understanding Fiber and its Changing
Definition
Part 7, New Nutrition Label Series
We celebrate the benefits of fiber and its new definition.
FDA's 2016 nutrition labeling regulations include a new
definition of fiber based on promoting fiber's physiological
benefits such as lower postprandial blood glucose levels, lower blood
cholesterol levels and improved laxation. FDA has also
increased the daily value for fiber from 25 grams to 28
grams based on a 2,000 calorie diet, given its association
with a reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease.
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There are a number of
implications to be aware of when implementing the new rules. |
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The new definition of fiber includes whole food
sources that are found naturally and intact in plants.
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Isolated or synthetic sources of fiber that FDA has
found to have physiological benefits are also included,
specifically
beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum,
pectin, locust bean gum and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. |
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Determining the value for dietary fiber can be
misleading when only some of the fibers meet the new definition.
As a result, laboratory nutrition analysis alone may not provide
accurate values. |
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There is a new recordkeeping requirement to document
the amount of dietary fiber when the food includes both fibers that
meet the new definition and those that do not. |
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This
quick one-pager illustrates the key changes.
Were pleased to bring you this 7-part series to help guide your
understanding of the new nutrition labeling regulations. You can read
previous issues of the series by clicking here:
Part 1,
Part 2,
Part 3,
Part 4,
Part 5,
Part 6. |
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What counts as fiber is evolving, specifically related to
isolated and synthetic sources. Late last month, FDA issued a
request for comments, a
guidance document, and
questions & answers for industry on the scientific evaluation of the
physiological benefits of dietary fiber. The Agency included a
scientific review of 26 ingredients most commonly added as dietary fiber
sources. During the comment period, FDA will gather information on these
and other isolated and synthetic fiber sources. Input received will be
used to determine if any additional ingredients are to be added to the
list of approved fibers.
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What's
News in the Food Label
Community
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Reader Q&A
Find
answers to our readers'
questions or send us
your question for an
upcoming issue.
Q. |
What are the allowable recycling claims that can be put
on my label for a composite can made of paperboard with
steel ends?
− C.M., Michigan, Food Manufacturer |
A. |
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a
recycling claim for a food package containing multiple
components is acceptable provided the package has clear
instructions for consumers about which pieces are
recyclable. If a package requires disassembly before
recycling, it is necessary for specific directions to
also appear on the label.
Read more. |
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What Matters in Food Labeling
Food Label News,
now in its 16th year, is a monthly e-newsletter reaching
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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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© 2016. Food Consulting Company, Del Mar, CA. All rights reserved.
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