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Volume 15, Number
5 - May 2015
Happy Spring!
Tectonic shifts are already underway in the world of food
labeling. Read a few quick tips to help you take a
leadership role in the upcoming changes that will affect
every single food label in the U.S. In our readers' favorite
section, learn about what's allowable for multiple food
additives that have similar functions in Reader Q&A. As
always, tell us what you're thinking in the
Food Label Community on LinkedIn.
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The Magnitude of Change for Food
Labels: 8.8 on the Richter Scale
Once in a generation, there are all encompassing changes to
nutrition labeling regulations that require modifications to
each and every package – and that time is nearly upon us.
Tens of thousands of products sold in the U.S., whether
domestically-produced or imported, must undergo label
changes as a result. It is an unprecedented opportunity for
food labelers to take a leadership role and orchestrate the
change process for the products they champion.
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Per the Fall 2014 Unified Agenda of Regulatory Actions, the Final
Rules that will result in new regulations are planned for release in
March 2016. According to the Proposed Rules, the final compliance
date is to be within 2 years of the effective date of the Final
Rules.
Not only do we have changes coming for U.S. labels
but Health Canada has also initiated dialogue to change nutrition
labeling for every product in Canada. In addition, there are new
Mexico standards (NOM-051) that require label changes in Mexico as
well. Lots for food labelers to do!
However, for many food labelers life goes on between
now and then. Products to release. Businesses to run. Here are some
helpful tips to keep in mind as you seek to manage both your
day-to-day work and plan for the future.
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1. |
Products released today must follow the current
regulations. You cannot adopt the
proposed rules until they are
finalized. |
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2. |
A product that qualifies for a
specific nutrient content claim
today may not qualify for the same
claim under the new regulations. Be
aware of the proposed changes so
that you can develop
formulations that will likely comply
with both current and future
regulations. |
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3. |
Serving sizes will shift. Consider
how your package size will affect
serving size under the proposed
regulations, as serving size can be
dependent on the package's net
quantity of contents. |
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How can you lead this change? Start with a head start.
Take inventory of your formulas, claims, labels, and marketing
strategies. You'll be well positioned to weather the shakeup when it
comes. |
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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.
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Q. |
Can multiple anti-caking agents be used in combination
if each individual agent is below the specified percent
limit? For example, can a seasoning blend contain 1.99%
silicon dioxide AND 1.99% calcium silicate (both
directly added)?
− A.B., Illinois, Food Ingredient Supplier |
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A. |
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) defines threshold
amounts for individual anti-caking agents (silicone
dioxide: 21 CFR 172.480; calcium silicate: 21 CFR
172.410). The CFR does not address a combined value,
however the general provisions for direct food additives
(21 CFR 172.5) state that the level must "not exceed the
amount reasonably required to accomplish its intended
technical effect in food."
Read more. |
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What Matters in Food Labeling
Food Label News,
now in its 15th year, is a monthly e-newsletter reaching
over 9,000 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.
You may reprint all or part of this newsletter
provided you attribute it to Food Label News
and include a link to
www.foodlabels.com.
© 2015. Food Consulting Company, Del Mar, CA. All rights reserved.
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