Volume 6, Number 7 - July 2005

IN THIS ISSUE:

• New Online Order System for Food Labels Help

• Steps Taken to Define Gluten-Free for Food Labels

• FDA Regulations for Food Labels Apply to Advertising

• FYI: More on Restaurant Nutrition

Food Consulting Company wishes Food Label News readers a pleasant summer. If you are planning a vacation and want to finish food label projects before you go, call on Food Consulting Company to help you beat your deadline. We can complete all parts of your food label project with our full label compliance package or we can help on parts. Visit our web site for services and easy online ordering at www.foodlabels.com.

New Online Order System for Food Labels Help

In June 2005, Food Consulting Company launched a new online ordering system at www.foodlabels.com that allows clients to submit documents (including formulas, ingredient specification sheets, and label artwork) electronically as attachments to the online order form. Previously such documents needed to be sent as separate email messages or by fax, postal mail, or courier. All information submitted through this site is secure.

Commentary: Food Consulting Company continually strives to deliver accurate, on-time food label help. The online ordering system is the latest step to serve clients best.

FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has published a draft report "Approaches to Establish Thresholds for Major Food Allergens and for Gluten in Food." The report summarizes the current state of scientific knowledge regarding food allergy and celiac disease, and identifies and analyzes approaches that can be used to establish threshold levels below which it is unlikely that a food allergic or gluten sensitive individual would experience an adverse effect.

In the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCP) of 2004, Congress required that FDA prepare a report on allergen information and make recommendations for further research. FALCP also required that FDA establish a proposed rule to define and permit the use of the term "gluten free" on food labels by August 2, 2006, and a final rule by August 2, 2008. The report and the establishment of a gluten threshold are necessary steps to this end.

FDA's Food Advisory Committee will evaluate the report at a public meeting scheduled July 13 through 15.

Read report: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/alrgn.html

Read Federal Register announcement: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/05-12041.htm

Commentary: The allergen threshold study does not in any way affect January 1, 2006, requirements for allergen labeling. Companies must continue to move forward to produce January 1, 2006-compliant labels without fear that additional changes will be required before January 1, 2006. See quick tips on January 1, 2006, requirements at http://www.foodlabels.com/2006.htm.

In late May and the month of June, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced several settlements against food and dietary supplement companies for use of unsubstantiated claims in advertising. In all but one case, the settlements include monetary penalties; all settlements include various record-keeping requirements for periods of five or more years to assist FTC in monitoring compliance.

Access FTC Press Releases: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2005/06/index.htm

Commentary: All food and dietary supplement companies are prohibited from making claims unless the claims can be substantiated by reliable scientific evidence or comply with specific FDA regulations. FDA has FTC as a steady partner in enforcing the regulations. Food Consulting Company can help develop compliant claims for labeling and advertising. Request service at www.foodlabels.com.

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© Food Consulting Company, 2005
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