The Food and Drug Administration yesterday published an "Industry Resources" web page on the Nutrition Facts label to help businesses comply with the requirements of the final rules  issued in May. Most businesses have until July 26, 2018, to bring their Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels for packaged foods into compliance with the final rules, but some may comply with the new requirements now. Smaller businesses with less than $10 million in annual food sales have until July 26, 2019, to comply.

The Industry Resources page provides the following information:

  • Frequently Asked Questions specifically focused on industry’s common questions and concerns;
  • Annotated graphic illustrations of new label specifications for the most commonly used label formats;  
  • High-resolution examples of label formats;
  • Tables from the final rules showing daily values for vitamins, minerals, and food components, as well as reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion (RACCs); and
  • Links to final rules and other reference materials.

IDFA Webinar

IDFA also is offering resources, including an upcoming webinar, to help companies navigate the changes that are required.

“Although the changes are not mandated to take effect until July 26, 2018, it is not too early to learn what those changes are and to start planning for how your own product labels will need to be revised to meet the new standards,” said Cary Frye, IDFA vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs. “To help guide you through these changes, I welcome you to join me for a webinar to delve into the new FDA labeling regulations and the changes required to make your product labels compliant. Michelle Matto, principal at AM Food & Nutrition, will be presenting with me.”

The webinar, “Nutrition Label Reform Final Rules: Implications for the Dairy Industry,” will be held August 22 and 23, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Eastern. IDFA will repeat the webinar September 20 and 21.

The webinar will cover mandated label changes, including:

  • Content and format of the Nutrition Facts label;
  • New serving sizes for foods and beverages, especially ice cream and yogurt;
  • New graphic, type font and design requirements;
  • Addition and definition of “added sugars” and “total sugars”;
  • Revision to what qualifies as dietary fiber;
  • New definitions for single serving size;
  • Dual column nutrition information per serving and per package;
  • Changes to nutrient daily values that may impact product nutrient content claims;
  • Additional record keeping requirements; and
  • How the size of your company affects the compliance deadline. 

“This webinar is ideal for anyone in working with dairy labeling, formulation, marketing, purchasing or packaging,” Frye said.

FDA Resources

For more information, contact Frye at cfrye@idfa.org or Matto at amfoodnutrition@gmail.com.