FDA is proposing to update the Nutrition Facts label on food packages to reflect new public health and scientific information, including evidence on nutrition, obesity and chronic disease. As part of the proposed updates, serving size requirements would be updated to reflect the amounts of food people are actually eating and drinking now as opposed to 20 years ago when the Nutrition Facts label was first introduced. In addition, the format of the label would be refreshed, with key parts of the label such as calories, serving sizes, and percent daily value more prominent.

The proposed changes reflect new dietary recommendations, consensus reports and national survey data and reflect input obtained through four advance notices of proposed rulemaking and numerous citizens’ petitions.  The proposed rules, which are published in the Federal Register, are open for comment for 90 days. FDA is proposing a compliance date of two years after the effective date for any final rule resulting from these proposed rules.

FDA is also proposing some corresponding updates to the Supplement Facts label on dietary supplements, including changes to daily values and units of measure.

SpectraGraphics Inc. is dedicated to helping our client’s stay ahead of these new regulations, please contact us for help in keeping your labels in compliance with all the new rule changes.

For more information on the FDA changes visit the link below:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm387533.htm

Choosing the correct label and adhesive combination can be tricky, finding one that works in freezing application and service temperatures can be even more complex. Some tips that can help:

– Freezer and cold temperature adhesives are not the same. It’s critical to have a good understanding of application and service temperatures, moisture levels and substrates that labels will be applied to. A good freezer adhesive will not only have a low application temperature, it should be able to withstand frost, moisture and blast freezer environments.

– Conditions requiring good initial tack and ultimate adhesion when being applied in freezer conditions are ideal for freezer grade adhesives. They are also well suited for room temperature application followed by blast freezer conditions.

– Freezer grade adhesives are very soft allowing them to to function well in frozen environments. This “softness” makes them tougher to die cut and more prone to “ooze” at room temperature. These factors can increase costs to convert. When you don’t require a freezer grade, move to cold temperature grades which reduce these issues.

– Blast or flash freezing is typically used on vegetables, entrees and fruit due to it’s speed and for cosmetic purposes. It produces fewer ice crystals inside the package which customers may find unattractive. For blast or flash freezing applications cold temperature adhesives may not work, even if the initial application temperature is above freezing.

– As with any label application, test for other elements that may impact performance. These include substrates, dispensing, moisture and environmental conditions and other factors that the label may encounter. In other words, don’t just focus on the temperatures involved.

Contact a member of the SpectraGraphics Team for more information on choosing the correct adhesive for your product. We’re here to help!

Recently a new client, Osmia Organics, approached SpectraGraphics seeking an Eco Friendly label solution for a series of new product lines.  Dedicated to using earth friendly packaging whenever possible, Osmia is an incredible example of a company searching the globe for “green” products.  The traditional issues surrounding Eco Friendly papers and films were once again encountered.  High minimums and costs from pressure sensitive roll suppliers on these materials make it very difficult for start up businesses to use them economically.

Osmia was seeking not only a green material, but wanted a very professional matte finished look for their labels.  After a lengthy search and testing period TerraSkin film was selected for use.  TerraSkin, www.terraskin.com, is a tree-free, water-free material made from rock and non-toxic resins.  It will biodegrade under normal temperature, uv light and moisture conditions.  It also has a beautiful matte white appearance and is ideal for printing both flexographically and digitally once top coated.

We are very pleased to offer this new film as an Eco Friendly label option for use under almost any conditions, visit ecofriendlylabels for more information.  Osmia Organics is growing rapidly and provides a shining example of a successful business launch due to an owner’s commitment to organic product components and sustainable packaging.  You can find out much more about Osmia’s product line offerings and their company story by visiting their web site at www.osmiaorganics.com

Bob’s Red Mill has been, and continues to be one of SpectraGraphics’s most valued and long term clients.  Despite multiple offers founder Bob Moore recently gave his $100 million company to his employees to continue on with his legacy.  Bob is much more than a client to many of us here at SGI, he is a friend, an inspiration and an ideal image of what American businessmen can and should be.

In an era of corporate greed and global recession Bob Moore is a shining example of what’s right about America.  He has recently released his autobiography “People Before Profit – The Inspiring Story of the Founder of Bob’s Red Mill”.  We strongly encourage anyone managing a company to read it, and live it.  It’s available on Amazon in both electronic format and hard copy, the link is below.

Our sincerest thanks and best wishes to Bob and his wife Charlee, and to all the employees of Bob’s Red Mill for a bright future.

http://www.amazon.com/People-Before-Profit-Inspiring-ebook/dp/B007CLZF2I

We are very pleased to announce that SpectraGraphics has added a new state of the art Mark Andy P5 series flexographic printing press.  The new unit combines cutting edge drying technology with quick change over and auto registration print stations.  Incredibly fast speeds are now achievable for long runs, combined with fast copy changes, enhanced quality and reduced scrap rates for overall cost reduction.

This equipment has an impact in other areas as well.  The increased capacity in both web width and speed results in reduced lead times and lowered set up costs on other equipment, such as that utilized for expanded content products.  We are now branching in to other printed market segments such as unsupported films for continuous labeling and pouches.

Please contact us for more details, we look forward to helping you grow your business!

The SpectraGraphics family was very proud to be 2011 sponsors for a Shawnee Mission Head Start Family.  The program’s mission is “to provide quality early childhood and comprehensive child and family services, which empower low-income families and their children to maximize their success.”  Eligible families have an annual household income of under $18,000 despite full time employment, so our gifts of clothing, toys, food and everyday products were greatly appreciated.  It’s easy to over look the fact that some families live without the means to cover basic human needs, especially over the holiday season.

If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring this very worthwhile organization please visit www.smks-headstart.org