FDA Releases New Labeling Guide

FDA and the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition have published a new guidance document, “A Food Labeling Guide,” to help manufacturers deal with any issues that might arise during label creation. This guide replaces an earlier version published in Sept. 1994 (and subsequently updated in 1999).

The guide’s introduction notes that it is not attempting to answer every food-labeling question that might arise. However, “most frequently raised questions have been addressed using a ‘question and answer’ format. We believe the vast majority of food labeling questions are answered.”

The document goes on to note that “FDA receives many questions from manufacturers, distributors and importers about the proper labeling of their food products. This guidance is a summary of the required statements that must appear on food labels under these laws and their regulations. To help minimize legal action and delays, it is recommended that manufacturers and importers become fully informed about the applicable laws and regulations before offering foods for distribution in the United States.”

For complete details, see the complete text of the document. A complete list of Food and Cosmetic Guidance Documents is also available online.