New labeling can spell a variety of opportunities to market products and drive sales. However, without an understanding of the specific requirements of labeling dairy foods, it can also result in waste and possible regulatory enforcement actions. To help members produce compliant and effective product labels while taking advantage of new labeling trends, IDFA is hosting an updated session of the popular Dairy Product Labeling Webinar, October 27-29.

“In addition to a lively discussion on labeling trends, such as natural, gluten-free, rBST and no antibiotic claims, we’ll cover potential new regulations such as the Nutrition Facts panel and implementation of Vermont’s GMO labeling law,” said Cary Frye, IDFA vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs. “We plan to cover these topics in an interactive format to provide attendees with specific advice.”

Sessions

Delivered in three sessions, the webinar will run each day from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern time. Frye and Michelle Matto, IDFA's nutrition and labeling consultant, will present at all three sessions. A representative from Hogan Lovells, IDFA’s outside legal counsel, will join the discussion on Thursday.

Labeling 101 – An Introduction to Dairy Product Labeling

The October 27 session will include an initial overview of dairy labeling regulations. It will provide the history and jurisdiction for labeling regulations; requirements for the statement of identity, including flavor labeling and net quantity of contents statements; and ingredient declarations, including allergens and other labeling terms, such as Grade A, kosher and the Real Seal.

Nutrition Labeling and Claims

The October 28 session will cover the basics of nutrition labeling, including various Nutrition Facts formats, required and voluntary nutrients and calculating serving sizes. The regulations governing nutrient content claims, health claims and structure-function claims will also be addressed. The session will also cover the basics of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program requirements and labeling guidelines for natural, local, rBST and lactose claims.

Labeling Hot Topics

The October 29 session will cover new and changing regulations, including bans on partially hydrogenated oils and gluten-free and Omega-3 claim labeling. It offers a look at the Food and Drug Administration’s pending overhaul for the Nutrition Facts panel and the recently proposed calorie labeling for menus and vending machines. The session will also address regulatory enforcement and developments in litigation and class action suits related to food labels, with a focus on natural claims and current activity related to the labeling of genetically modified organism (GMO) products, or products containing GMOs and non-GMO claims.

For more information about labeling compliance and claims, contact Frye at cfrye@idfa.org.

Register online for the webinar series today.

For more registration information, contact Maria Velasco, IDFA meetings coordinator and registrar, at registrar@idfa.org.