Industry Seeks Harmonization of FDA Nutrition Mandates

Responding to food industry requests to harmonize the compliance dates of upcoming food labeling and nutrition initiatives, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently clarified that the compliance dates are already coordinated to take effect in summer 2018. 

Industry groups contend, however, that it will be difficult for manufacturers to comply with the revised nutrition labeling rules since the agency has not yet provided key pieces of the regulatory puzzle. 

The revised definition of dietary fiber and the new requirement for the calculation of added sugars are two examples of unresolved issues that could burden food companies and complicate compliance with the new rules. Moreover, the mandatory disclosure of genetically modified ingredients, and formulation challenges associated with the ban on PHOs and sodium reduction targets are further complicating matters. 

For a synopsis of the key food labeling and nutrition initiatives with the current compliance dates, read the rest of the article on Mérieux NutriSciences' Food Safety & Quality Blog.