February 2022

Dear Christina,

Welcome to February's Label Alert! In this month's headlines, researchers report online grocery sites provide inadequate nutrition labeling information, FDA clarifies labeling rules for quantitative sugar claims, FDA drops standard of identity regulation for French dressing, and more ...

This month, we're pleased to offer Label Alert subscribers $100 off any one USDA seminar at PLC's 50th Anniversary Food Label Conference! Join us April 24-27 in Washington D.C. for this very special event.

Get caught up on the latest industry news from Label Alert!

Researchers say nutrition labeling information is inadequate on many online grocery shopping sites. They report that proper labeling required for foods is uniformly provided on only about a third of grocery items. Experts say this lack of information is particularly troublesome for people with food allergies or medically necessary dietary limitations.

Read on...

FDA Clarifies Labeling Rules for Quantitative Claims About Sugar

Consumer class action lawsuits against Goldfish-brand snacks ... and others have alleged that such products do not comply with 21 CFR § 101.60 (“Nutrient content claims for the calorie content of foods”) because the products claim “0g Sugars” or “0g Total Sugars” ... without disclosing that they are “not a low calorie food,” “not a reduced calorie food,” or “not for weight control”.... FDA clarified that the additional statements required when making the sugar content claims are not required for quantitative claims about sugar.

Read on ...

FDA Drops Regulations on French Dressing

After more than 70 years, the federal government has decided that French dressing no longer needs to be regulated. French dressing is the only pourable dressing required to adhere to standards that require it to contain oil, acidifying ingredients and seasoning. French dressing's standard of identity was not honest or fair, either, according to the FDA's final rule.

Read on...

US Research Explores How GMO Labeling Affects Consumer Food Purchasing Decisions

A team of researchers in the US has conducted four studies to better understand how genetically modified organism (GMO) labeling policies impact consumer choice. The results point to the fact that the color of a label is a huge factor in either encouraging or pushing consumers away from purchasing a product.

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Consumer Product Food Labeling: Reaching a “Healthy” Balance

Earlier in 2021, the FDA issued a notice that it will be conducting preliminary consumer research on the use of a voluntary symbol that could be used to depict the nutrient content claim “healthy” on packaged foods. Congress has also introduced the Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2021 ... However, given the regulatory landscape ... associated with health claims, food companies are understandably wary of making claims about the health benefits or nutritional content of their products.

Read on....

Kroger’s Top Food Trend Predictions for 2022 Include Umami, Tequila, Plant-Based

The Kroger Co. released its 2022 Food Trends Report, which predicts emerging food trends, consumer behaviors, and popular items for the year ahead. The Food Institute took a deeper dive into some of the most noteworthy predictions.

Read on....