FSIS Proposes Changes to Nutrition Facts Labels on Meat and Poultry Products
The Food Safety and Inspection Service is proposing changes to nutrition labeling requirements for meat (including fish of the order Siluriformes, i.e., catfish) and poultry products (here). The proposed rule would align FSIS nutrition labels with the new labeling scheme adopted by the Food and Drug Administration in May (see 1605200021). FSIS would revise the information required on nutrition facts labels, adopt FDA's new format with larger type for calorie and serving information, and adopt new reference values for pregnant and lactating women and children under age 4. Single serving size and dual column labeling would be required for certain containers, and recordkeeping required for some nutrients. Comments are due March 20.
Changes to FSIS Meat and Poultry Nutrition Facts Labels Mirror FDA
FSIS's proposed nutrition facts labeling regulations for meat and poultry "parallel, to the extent possible, FDA’s final regulations," FSIS said. Just like FDA, FSIS would amend the information required on nutrition facts labels and its format, as follows:
Label information requirements. The proposal would change what is required to be reported on nutrition facts labels, as follows:
Elimination of "calories from fat." FSIS would remove the declaration of “calories from fat.” "FSIS has reviewed FDA’s analysis and has tentatively concluded that the declaration of 'Calories from fat' is not necessary to assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary practices," it said.
Added sugars added. Added sugars would have to be declared on nutrition labels.
New vitamins and minerals. Vitamin D and potassium would have to be reported on nutrition facts labels. Vitamins A and C would no longer be required, but would be optional.
Recommended daily values. FSIS is also proposing to revise the “recommended daily values” used to calculate the percentage of recommended daily consumption for each nutrient contained in a food. That would include lowering the recommended daily consumption of sodium.
New format. The proposed new nutrition facts label would require larger text for the amount of calories, serving size and number of servings per container. Consistent with the FDA label, the proposed rule would remove the requirement that a footnote table list the reference values for certain nutrients for 2,000- and 2,500-calorie diets, replacing it with a different footnote, FSIS said.
Recordkeeping. The proposed rule would require records be kept to support the declaration of certain nutrients. For products that contain added sugars, dietary fiber, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, vitamin E, and folate/folic acid in products, FSIS would require manufacturers to maintain records and verify their declarations on these nutrients.
Single-serving containers. FSIS is proposing that all containers that include less than twice the recommended serving size be labeled as a single-serving container.
Dual-column labeling. For containers with at least twice the recommended serving size, but less than three times the recommended serving size, FSIS would require an additional column on the label that lists nutritional information for the entire package.
Compliance Required Two to Three Years After Final Rule
After it issues its final rule, FSIS said it "anticipates allowing a 24-month compliance period with a 36- month compliance for small businesses."
(Federal Register 01/19/17)