FDA Updates General Food Labeling Requirements Compliance Program

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its general food labeling requirements compliance program. Compliance Program 7321.005, now titled “General Food Labeling Requirements and Labeling-Related Sample Analysis — Domestic and Import,” replaces the previous 2010 version of the program and reflects current labeling regulations, operational guidance and enforcement priorities.  

Key changes to the program include the incorporation of sesame as the ninth major food allergen in accordance with the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021, as well as guidance on gluten-free labeling requirements.

The program also aligns with the 2016 updates to the Nutrition Facts label, including formatting and nutrient declaration changes. 

FDA’s Compliance Program (CP) outlines the guidelines and procedures for FDA inspectors when conducting inspections of food facilities, both within the United States and in other countries. The purpose of the CP is to help ensure that food facilities comply with FDA regulations and to protect public health by identifying and addressing food safety issues, said the agency.  

These updates support FDA’s ongoing efforts to help ensure that food labeling is truthful, not misleading, and compliant with federal regulations, the agency said. The updated program aims to enhance oversight of domestic and imported foods, guide enforcement activities and improve data consistency across FDA operations, according to the agency.

More information about FDA’s labeling requirements and compliance efforts can be found here.