Did you know that government estimates indicate that Americans waste 40 percent of the overall food supply? And 90 percent of consumers throw food away based on the “sell by” date because they mistakenly believe the food is unsafe to eat? When actually, a “sell by” date is used as a tool for stock control, suggesting when a store should no longer sell products to ensure they still have a shelf life after consumers purchase them. A large part of food waste is due to confusing and ... Full Article
Archives for 2021
Vitamin D on the Nutrition Facts Label
One piece of advice consistently heard from medical professionals throughout the Covid-19 pandemic is the importance of getting enough vitamin D. The FDA recognized both the importance of vitamin D and the tendency for Americans to be deficient and added it to the new Nutrition Facts label. Vitamin D plays a preventative role in several conditions, including osteoporosis, diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease. Did you know vitamin D is not a vitamin but is a hormone the body synthesizes ... Full Article
FDA Regulations for Sodium Claims
Sodium hits the headlines again because of the Food and Drug Administration's new sodium guidelines. The FDA's concern for too much sodium in the diet is nothing new - it's been standard practice in the medical industry to suggest that people with high blood pressure and sodium-related diseases reduce their intake. We at On The Menu help our clients hit sodium targets in their food products by reducing salt in their recipes. A sodium reduction can lead to the ability to make a sodium claim on ... Full Article
New FDA Sodium Guidelines for the Food Industry
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped in with new, voluntary sodium guidelines to reduce rates of preventable sodium-related chronic diseases. The FDA urges restaurants and food manufacturers to cut the salt in their products to reduce sodium by 12 percent over the next two and a half years. Salt contains sodium, which is necessary for the body to work correctly. Sodium helps to keep fluids balanced and muscles and nerves working properly. Unfortunately, too much sodium can lead ... Full Article
Labeling Laws for Temporary Menu Items
'Tis the season that we're seeing limited time only (LTO) foods added to menus. At the beginning of fall, it's pumpkin, spice, and everything nice. Are you unsure what the labeling laws are for these seasonal, LTO menu items? The FDA has made it very clear and concise, temporary menu items are exempt from menu labeling. According to the FDA (21 CFR 101.11(a)), a temporary menu item means a food that appears on a menu or menu board for less than a total of 60 days per calendar year. The 60 ... Full Article
