Category: U.S. Government and Regulatory Agencies
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FDA Revokes French Dressing Standard of Identity
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the standard of identity for French dressing following a citizen petition filed by the Association for Dressings and Sauces. The revocation finalizes a December 2020 rule that “will allow for greater innovation and more flexibility of products on the market,” according to an FDA Constituent Update.…
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FDA Issues Guidance on Sodium Reduction for Food Producers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released guidance on limiting sodium in processed and packaged foods. “Limiting certain nutrients, such as sodium, in our diets plays a crucial role in preventing diseases like hypertension and cardiovascular disease that disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority groups; these diseases often result in hundreds of thousands…
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FDA Releases Guidance on Food Contact Substance Notifications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released two guidance documents on food contact substance notifications, pertaining to toxicology recommendations and administrative processes. The food contact substance notification process is “the primary means by which FDA regulates food additives that are food contact substances (FCSs).” The guidance documents define a food contact substance as…
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USDA Announces Codex Meeting on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a public meeting to receive comments on the U.S. positions for the Codex Alimentarius Committee meeting on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses. The public meeting, which will be held October 19, 2021, will include discussions on a draft guide for ready-to-use therapeutic foods and the…
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USDA Requests Comments on Cultured Meat and Poultry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has requested comments on “the labeling of meat and poultry products comprised of or containing cultured cells derived from animals subject to the Federal Meat Inspection Act or the Poultry Products Inspection Act.” Comments will be accepted until November 2, 2021. The announcement details the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association’s 2018 petition…
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FDA Releases Study on PFAS in Processed Foods
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the results of a study on the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in processed foods, including baby foods. Out of 167 samples, three products had detectable levels of PFAS, the agency stated, and the amounts were not elevated to a level of concern. “Based on…
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Coalition of Advocacy Groups, Poultry Producers Calls for Changes
The Center for Science in the Public Interest has joined three other advocacy groups and four poultry producers to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to update poultry food safety standards. “While progress on reducing foodborne illness has been at a standstill, scientific knowledge of Salmonella has greatly increased and recognized best practices for…
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FDA Issues Compliance Guide on Aflatoxins
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a compliance policy guide on aflatoxins in human food. “Aflatoxins may occur in food as a result of mold growth in susceptible raw agricultural commodities,” the guide explains. “The growth of molds that produce aflatoxins is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and extent…