September 2024

Dear Christina,

Welcome to September's Label Alert! In this month's headlines, FDA marks a milestone in reducing sodium intakes and releases related draft guidance, FSIS updates guidance on meat product claims, FDA schedules a public meeting on its post-market assessment of chemicals in food, and more ...

And this month, celebrate Labor Day with savings on a seminar with Keller and Heckman attorneys assessing how the overturn of Chevron could affect food industry stakeholders.

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

FDA Announces Milestone in Sodium Reduction Efforts, Issues Draft Guidance with Lower Target Levels for Certain Foods

The FDA marked a milestone building on Phase I of its voluntary sodium reduction targets and issued draft guidance for Phase II. Preliminary data from 2022 show about 40% of the initial Phase I targets are very close to or have already been reached. And if the Phase II draft guidance is finalized, the new set of voluntary targets could reduce average sodium intake to levels to around 20% lower than those prior to 2021.

Read on...

FSIS Updates Guidelines for Claims on Meat Products

The USDA announced on Aug. 28 that it updated guidelines on how it supports documentation for animal-raising or environment-related claims on labels for meat and poultry products. Animal-raising claims are voluntary marketing claims that highlight certain aspects of how the source animals for meat and poultry products are raised. The claims might also highlight how to improve the land or otherwise implement environmentally sustainable practices.

Read on ...

FSIS Guideline ...

FDA to Hold Public Meeting on the Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for FDA’s Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food

The FDA has posted materials for the public meeting on the Development of an Enhanced Systematic Process for FDA’s Post-Market Assessment of Chemicals in Food. The meeting will be held Sept. 25, 2024 from 12:30-4:30 PM ET.

Read on...

Mars Agrees to Buy Pringles Maker Kellanova in $36 Billion Deal

Mars has agreed to buy Kellanova in a deal that values the maker of Cheez-It and Pringles at almost $29 billion. The mega-deal will create a global snacks behemoth, adding a bevy of new nibbles to Mars’ portfolio of brands, which includes Snickers, M&M’s, and the Mars bar.

Read on ...

Share Your Thoughts: Proposed Guidance on How to Label and Represent Plant-Based Alternatives to Egg Products

With an increase in the availability of new plant-based products, CFIA recognizes the need for clear guidance on how to label these foods. CFIA has developed proposed guidance on labelling and representation of plant-based alternatives to egg products to distinguish them from egg products and is seeking feedback on the guidance.

Read on...

FDA and AAFCO to Dissolve Partnership on Animal Food Ingredient Approvals

The US FDA and AAFCO have announced that they will be ending their longstanding relationship for the review of new animal food ingredients in October.

Read on...

Career Corner - Standard Meat Company

Standard Meat Company is Hiring a FSQA Regulatory Manager! Click Here to Learn More.