Welcome to November's Label Alert! In this month's headlines, FDA issues guidance on standards of identity, California imposes new recycling labeling requirements and limits PFAS use, senators introduce legislation to reinstate country of origin labeling, and more ...
This month, we are highlighting PLC services to help industry comply with the Bioengineering Rule by the mandatory compliance date of January 1, 2022, just 2 short months away...
Are you ready for winter? No? Procrastinate even longer with the latest industry news from Label Alert!
FDA Releases Guidance for Industry on Temporary Permits for Food Varying from Requirements of Standards of Identity
This guidance is a part of FDA’s efforts to support innovation in the food marketplace to help ensure consumers have access to healthier food choices. One way FDA is working to support this goal is by updating standards of identity (SOIs) and identifying new ways to streamline SOI-related processes, such as the TMP application process, to provide additional clarity and flexibility to encourage industry to innovate and produce healthier foods.
Reuse It and Lose It: California Imposes New Recycling Labeling Requirements and Limits PFAS Use
On 5 October 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills into law that have significant implications for the food and beverage industry ... restaurants ... and a broader group of companies that manufacture, sell, or distribute products in the state. These measures are intended to reduce single-use plastic pollution, support state recycling goals, and eliminate the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in children’s products, food packaging, and cookware.
American Beef Labeling Act to Reinstate Country of Origin Labeling
Senate Bill 2716, the American Beef Labeling Act, was recently introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Booker, John Thune, Jon Tester, and Mike Rounds. The legislation seeks to reinstate the mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) requirements for beef.
Woman Sues Kellogg Over Lack of Strawberries in Strawberry Pop-Tarts, Seeks $5 Million
A woman is seeking $5 million from Kellogg, accusing the popular cereal company of misleading customers into thinking its strawberry Pop-Tarts contain more strawberries than they actually do. It’s among a wave of lawsuits alleging Big Food is labeling its products in ways that make them seem healthier than they are, as consumers show greater interest in knowing where their food comes from and how it is made.
Food companies increasingly have turned to allulose in their sugar-reduction efforts since the US Food and Drug Administration in 2019 exempted the “rare” sugar from being included as a carbohydrate, sugar or added sugar on the Nutrition Facts Label. Other non-traditional sugars could join allulose in receiving the exemption, but in some cases years of research might be needed.
Misbranding, Undeclared Allergens Cause Pork, Beef Tamale Recall
San Jose, Calif.-based Demaiz Inc. is recalling approximately 20,759 lbs of pork and beef tamales due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, according to the US Dept. of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The product contains sesame seeds, an allergen, which is not declared on the final product label.
