Allergen labeling might seem straightforward, but it’s one of the most common sources of labeling errors and recalls. With FDA allergen requirements evolving—including the addition of sesame and the removal of coconut from the major allergen list—here's a practical refresher to help you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes. If you manufacture food products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allergen labeling isn’t optional. It’s a critical part of compliance and ... Full Article
FDA Phase Out of Synthetic Food Dyes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking action to remove petroleum-based food colors from the nation’s food supply. The FDA announced the phase out of synthetic dyes on April 22, 2025 with the end of 2026 as the targeted deadline for removal. The phase out of synthetic colors relies on voluntary compliance from manufacturers. The FDA is prioritizing Citrus Red No. 2, Orange B, and Red No. 2 as the first synthetic food colors to be eliminated. Other identified colors ... Full Article
Menu vs. Nutrition Facts Labeling
Menu labeling and Nutrition Facts labeling are both governed by the FDA but their regulations fall under different acts. While there are some similarities between the two types of labeling they vary in what nutrition information is required and how it is displayed. Menu Labeling was established under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 is based on the “old” 1990 retail labeling criteria, which does not include nutrients such as added sugars. Retail labeling is governed by the Nutrition ... Full Article
PROPOSED Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling
On January 16, 2025, the FDA issued a proposed rule requiring a front-of-package nutrition label on most packaged foods. This "Nutrition Info" box is designed to provide consumers with quick, at-a-glance information on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. The current federal dietary recommendations advise consumers to limit these three nutrients to achieve a nutrient-dense diet within calorie limits. The proposal includes a compliance timeline of three years after the final rule's effective ... Full Article
“Healthy” Nutrient Content Claim Update
In December, the FDA issued a final rule updating the "healthy" nutrient content claim with an effective date of February 25, 2025. However, they recently postponed the effective date for the final rule until April 28, 2025, with a compliance date of February 25, 2028. The delay in the effective date follows President Trump’s memorandum, which requires agencies to consider postponing the effective date of published rules not yet in effect for 60 days to allow further factual, legal, and policy ... Full Article
