July 2024

Dear Christina,

Welcome to July's Label Alert! In this month's headlines, USDA advances proposed rules including ones for cultured meat and uncured products, FDA warns Bimbo Bakeries to lay off unwarranted allergen claims, an industry consultant says FDA's Human Food Program is only a first step toward greater food safety, and more ...

And this month we're highlighting our upcoming USDA and FDA Labeling webinars! Take advantage of these comprehensive series of trainings to learn the fundamentals, the latest trends and regulatory developments.

Now, get caught up on the latest industry news from Label Alert.

USDA Pushes Forward Label Updates for Cultured-Meat, Uncured Claims, Nutrition Facts

USDA is working through a backlog of much-needed updates to labels for meat and poultry, and anticipates publishing this year or early next several proposed rules, including for uncured and cultivated products, according to an agency official. 

Read on...

FDA Warns Top U.S. Bakery Not to Claim Foods Contain Allergens When They Don't

U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspectors found that Bimbo Bakeries USA — which includes brands such as Sara Lee, Oroweat, Thomas', Entenmann's and Ball Park buns and rolls — listed ingredients such as sesame or tree nuts on labels even when they weren't in the foods.

Read on ...

Frank Yiannas: FDA’s Reorganization to Create Human Foods Program Is Only a ‘First Step’ to Enhanced Safety

Congressional approval late last month of FDA’s proposed reorganization to create a Human Foods Program that operates under a single leader, brings the agency one step closer to the end of a long, and at times arduous, process of self-reflection, prioritization and negotiation.

Read on...

FDA Proposes to Exempt Certain Cottage Cheese From Traceability Requirements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed exemption for certain cottage cheese products from the requirements of the Food Traceability Rule. In the final rule, the FDA announced its intention to consider exempting cottage cheese regulated under the Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) from the rule’s requirements.

Read on ...

Consumer Advocacy Group Finds Dangerous Levels of Lead in Some Snacks for Small Children

A new study by Consumer Reports has found alarming levels of lead in some vegetable puffs marketed for small children. The consumer advocacy group tested two puffs: cassava made by Lesser Evil and Serenity Kids and sorghum puffs from Once Upon a Farm.

Read on...

Career Corner - Home Market Foods

Home Market Foods is hiring a Regulatory Project Manager.

Find out more and apply...