West Virginia passed a bill known as the Truth in Food Labeling Act, restricting the language that can be used on labels for cell-based meats, plant-based meat alternatives, and other “analogue products,” such as insect-based foods. The bill awaits the Governor’s signature.
New food allergen labeling requirements recently came into effect in Australia and New Zealand. A guidance for industry has been published to help manufacturers, importers, and retailers with compliance.
Special labeling requirements for supplemented foods sold in Canada are coming into effect. The regulations are already in force, but supplemented foods that are eligible for the transition period have until December 31, 2025 to comply.
New EU legislation restricts the amount of green tea extract containing (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that can be present in food and sets labeling requirements, for food safety reasons. EGCG is a catechin, which are flavinols that may lead to liver damage.
With a draft guidance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, Including the Food Allergen Labeling Requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Edition 5); Guidance for Industry.
In response to a petition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has decided not to revise the mandatory safe handling instruction (SHI) label for raw and partially cooked meat and poultry products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced Menu Labeling Requirements in December 2014 to help restaurant operators ensure that the nutritional quality and composition of their menu items are verified. The conclusion of this article series discusses the parameters for menu displays and labeling requirements for different types of items on a menu to help restaurant operators comply with the law and avoid enforcement actions.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) will be providing advice to support a future EU-wide system for nutrition labeling of foods, including conditions for nutrition and health claims.
