'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
Nutrition Facts Panels for Beverages
If you manufacture beverages, you're probably aware that the FDA reference amounts customarily consumed (RACC) for beverages is 12 fluid ounces. (Fruit juice, milk, and milk-based drinks' RACC are eight fluid ounces.) The RACC guides the serving size on a Nutrition Facts panel (NFP). That means the serving size for a Nutrition Facts panel for beverages is 12 fluid ounces or some other unit that makes sense and still follows FDA regulations. What if your bottled beverage is under or over 12 fluid ... Full Article
FDA Gives Menu Nutrition Labeling Relief During COVID-19
The FDA has issued a temporary policy regarding nutrition labeling of standard menu items. Chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments are receiving leniency in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. The FDA is providing flexibility on menu labeling requirements covered under section 403(q)(5)(H) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The FDA encourages establishments that are covered to ... Full Article