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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!

In this issue you'll find:

 

"This is fantastic! Thank you for getting the analyses done so quickly, especially with the holidays intervening."

– Phyllis Pellman Good  
Good Books  

Understanding Fiber and its Changing Definition Part 7, New Nutrition Label Series

What's News in the Food Label Community

Reader Q&A: Recycling Claims for Packaging

 

Karen C. Duester, President


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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Regulatory perspective on marketing claims

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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.

This quick one-pager illustrates the key changes.

We’re 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.

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. 


What's News in the Food Label Community

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Agency updates: USDA Proposed Rule for new Nutrition Facts & revised RACCs, FDA Request for Comments Dietary Fiber, FTC Guidance OTC Homeopathics, FDA Request for Information Nut Butter RACC

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Incidental additives (14+ comments)

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Sub-ingredient added sugar content (11+ comments)

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Naming palm fat ingredient (10+ comments)

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Soy free claim (6+ comments)

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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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