Preparing For The FDA's Upcoming Labeling Requirements

By Sam Lewis

Mislabeled food products are the number one cause for food recalls, and we all know what that can mean to your bottom line. Adding to an already complicated landscape, the FDA announced forthcoming changes to the nutrition facts of food products that need to be complied with by July, 2018. Needless to say, food manufacturers are seeking guidance to meet the terms of the new requirements. Here, Kimberly Wingfield, director of science policy, labeling and standards, at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) answers my questions about complying with upcoming FDA food labeling requirements.

Food Online: Why are nutrition labels being updated?

Wingfield: The revised nutrition labeling rules represent the largest overhaul to the nutrition facts panel and pertinent regulations since the inception of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) over 20 years ago. The changes reflect new scientific information on nutrients and recommendations for dietary guidance. The revisions encompass updates to the nutrition facts panel, reference amounts, and serving sizes.

Food Online: What are the latest developments on food labeling rules for both the FDA and USDA?

Wingfield: Both the FDA and the USDA are in the process of modernizing their nutrition labeling regulations, which include updates to the nutrition facts panel, as well as nutrition claims. On September 28, the FDA made two announcements about steps the agency is taking to update the requirements for the nutrient content claim “Healthy.” 1) Industry Guidance and (2) a request for information to help inform the rulemaking process as the agency takes steps to modernize the criteria for the use of the term “healthy” in human food labeling.

Additionally, the Agricultural Marketing Service of USDA will soon begin the rulemaking process to develop regulations for the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard.

Food Online: What best practices can food manufacturers begin to comply with these changes?

Wingfield: To begin the process of implementing the nutrition labeling changes food manufactures can:

• Start gathering updated nutrient data from ingredient suppliers
• Work with software vendors to obtain updates for nutrition labeling programs
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the new rules
• Submit technical questions regarding uncertainties in the rules to the FDA using their inbox NutritionProgramStaff@fda.hhs.gov
• Update nutrition databases with new data from ingredient suppliers
• Conduct analytical testing on ingredients and finished products

Food Online: What current technologies are available that will help food companies achieve and maintain compliance with the changes?

Wingfield: There are product lifecycle management programs and nutrition labeling software that can assist manufactures in developing their food labels. Providers of these programs are in the process of making updates to their products and services to comply with the new nutrition labeling requirements.

Food Online: What resources do food manufacturers have for further information on complying with upcoming label changes?

Wingfield: The FDA has an Industry Resources page on their website that highlights key information about the changes, compliance dates, and frequently asked questions. A copy of the final rules are also available electronically: 1) Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels and, 2) Food Labeling: Serving Sizes of Foods That Can Reasonably Be Consumed At One Eating Occasion; Dual-Column Labeling; Updating, Modifying, and Establishing Certain Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed; Serving Size for Breath Mints; and Technical Amendments .

GMA will be delivering a Food Labeling Workshop November 1 – 3, 2016. Our unique program uses the new product development (NPD) process, from product concept to commercialization, to highlight each step where labeling can and should be addressed. Participants will also learn what the final nutrition labeling rules are and what the changes mean for their business.

About The SME
Kimberly Wingfield is Director, Science Policy, Labeling and Standards, with the Grocery Manufacturers Association. She is the association’s liaison between the food industry and the federal government agencies on food labeling and standards issues. She interacts extensively with GMA members to provide guidance on food labeling inquiries on FDA and USDA regulated products. Ms. Wingfield joined GMA in November of 2012. Prior to GMA, Ms. Wingfield held various positions in regulatory affairs and compliance in the food industry amounting to over ten years of experience. Ms. Wingfield received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and MBA from Emory University.