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Volume 17, Number 2 - February 2017

Hello from Food Label News! We come together as food labelers to see what changes may be in store for food regulations with the new administration. In the meantime, we ground ourselves in the 2016 regulatory activity in this month's lead article to stay current with what's changed and how we can be prepared. As news emerges, be sure to check the Food Label Community as well as coming issues of Food Label News. Exciting times for food labelers.

In this issue you'll find:

A Roundup of Regulatory Activity in 2016

What's News in the Food Label Community

Reader Q&A: Incomplete Data for Nutrition Facts

 

"Thanks again for your thoughtful responses and attention to detail throughout the process. It's been a pleasure to work with you!"

– Michelle Green  
Edelman  

 

Karen C. Duester, President


A Roundup of Regulatory Activity in 2016

Last year, we witnessed an unprecedented level of regulatory activity related to food labeling which has changed the landscape for food labelers. As one U.S. presidential administration departs and a new one arrives, food labelers are wondering what food policy will look like in 2017 and beyond.

 

Reader Favorites

New Nutrition Label Regulations: Part 1 of the Series

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While we cannot predict what changes may occur, it’s wise to be mindful not only of new Nutrition Facts labeling regulations, but also other important 2016 and very early 2017 regulatory actions. Be informed via the links below and search the Food Label Community for valuable comments from your colleagues on these and other topics.

U.S. Dietary Guidelines

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020, 8th Edition

Nutrition Facts

FDA Final Rule for Revisions to Nutrition Facts Labels & Supplement Facts Labels

FDA Final Rule for Serving Sizes and Dual-Column Nutrition Labeling

USDA Proposed Rule for Revisions to Nutrition Facts Labels & RACCs

FDA Industry Resources for Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label

FDA Draft Guidance: Q&As re: Compliance Date, Added Sugars, Quantitative Amounts for Vitamins/Minerals

FDA Draft Guidance: Reference Amounts for Each Product Category

FDA Request for Comments & Scientific Data re: Dietary Fiber

FDA Science Review for Isolated & Synthetic Non-digestible Carbohydrates

FDA Proposed Rule: RACCs for Flavored Nut Butters & Cupcake Fillings

Ingredients

FDA Final Rule on GRAS Substances

FDA Letter: Salt Retains GRAS Status

FDA Final Guidance on Evaporated Cane Juice

FDA Draft Guidance on Fruit/Vegetable Juices as Colors

FDA Final Rule: More Vitamin D May Be Added to Milk/Milk Alternatives

GMO Labeling

National GMO Labeling Bill Signed into U.S. Law (regulations coming within 2 years)

Sodium Reduction Initiative

FDA Draft Guidance: Voluntary Sodium Reduction Goals

Nutrient Content and Health Claims

FDA Request for Comments on Use of the Term "Healthy"

FDA Guidance and Notice of Enforcement Discretion for Use of the Term "Healthy"

FDA Interim Final Rule re: Expanded Use of Heart Health Claim for Fruits & Vegetables

FDA Letter re: Qualified Health Claim for High-Amylose Maize Starch & Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Dietary Supplements and Other Specialty Categories

FDA Draft Guidance for Dietary Supplements & New Dietary Ingredients

FDA Final Guidance on Medical Foods

FDA Draft Guidance on Structure/Function Claims Substantiation for Infant Formula

FDA Final Guidance on Labeling of Infant Formula

FTC Enforcement Policy on Marketing Claims for OTC Homeopathics

Restaurant Menu and Vendor Machine Labeling

FDA Final Guidance on Menu Labeling

FDA Compliance Date Extension for Vending Machine Labeling

FDA Guidance Documents for Vending Machine Labeling

President Trump has indicated a strong desire to simplify the regulatory environment for U.S. companies and has placed a hold on new regulations. While we cannot know the specifics of how this will impact the food labeling community, we will be sure to keep you informed through future issues of Food Label News.


What's News in the Food Label Community

Compound ingredient labeling (13+ comments)

Allergen exemption soy lecithin (7+ comments)

Supplement Facts listing of sodium (6+ comments)

Is it legal to call plant-based beverages milk? (5+ comments)

Natural Flavors (5+ comments)

Join Food Label Community. Already a member, view Discussions.
 

Reader Q&A

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

Q.

I want to use the new Nutrition Facts format now but cannot get all the required values from my ingredient suppliers. Do ingredient suppliers have the same compliance dates for new label regulations (7/26/18)? In the interim, can I note on the label that Potassium and Vitamin D are unavailable?  
B.C., Texas, Food Manufacturer 

A.

The new nutrition label regulations pertain to manufacturers and distributors that sell food at retail. Ingredient suppliers who do not sell food at retail are not obligated to provide this information. Because partial values are not allowed within a Nutrition Facts (either original or new), you can only adopt the new format once you have values for Potassium, Vitamin D and all other required nutrients. Read more.

 

What Matters in Food Labeling

Food Label News, now in its 17th year, is a monthly e-newsletter reaching over 10,000 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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