At the end of July, the FDA issued a comment period related to individual food and beverage packaging labels, this time specific to sugar.  While sugar is already listed on food and beverage packaging, unlike other ingredients, it is not tied to an index based on a 2,000 calorie a day diet.

When the food and beverage packaging labeling are revised and finalized by the FDA, we believe that the amount of sugar recommended per day will be included.  The notice issued by the FDA for sugar is the first formal step in this regard, with a 75-day comment period that began at the Agency on July 27^th.

Anticipated Compliance Date for Broader Food and Beverage Labeling – January 1, 2018

The FDA has stated that industry will need to be compliant of any regulations regarding food and beverage labeling finalized in 2015 or 2016, by January 1, 2018.

While the nutritional labeling has not yet been officially “finalized”, it is very likely to be so by the end of 2016.  Many in the industry are anticipating a final rule/decision on nutritional labeling by March 2016.

As drafted and issued by the FDA, the below image captures the latest proposal for changes to current labeling requirements.  Please note, while this image does not reference the “percentage” of sugar recommended, we anticipate that will be included in the final version.

If your company is interested in providing comments to the FDA on this and other proposed labeling requirements, please click here.

In addition the U.S. FDA, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a web-tool kit for industry, so companies may ensure they are in compliance with all labeling for food and beverage products.  The Tool Kit breakdowns industry labeling requirements by category, and also provides information on “health” and other claims that may be legally permitted on products.

Source – TLMI