The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently released a document detailing the proper standards companies need to follow to achieve compliance. While conflicting standards may arise that confuse companies and make them wonder which advisories pertain to them the most.
Especially in the wake of the recent defeat of the Washington state bill to label GMOs, what we choose to include on labels matters.
These guidelines distinguish between claims that require approval as opposed to those that don't. According to the piece, "special" labels that broach subjects like religious dietary restrictions and claims of being "natural" need to be given consideration at all times.
However, the list of what does not require approval may contain some items that manufacturers might not expect, and might allow them the chance to reconsider which elements will need specific food labels to distinguish themselves. Interestingly, this includes generic allergens. Just because these things are not meant to be reviewed does not mean that they should be ignored when considering possible labels, though.
In fact, if most competitors in the same industry as your company choose to ignore the labeling of one type of thing (such as the kind of meat used in a product, or a specific seasoning) you might be able to distinguish your own brand by paying attention to these other factors.
In either case, the FSIS regulations are scheduled to not take effect until this coming January, so product makers have some time to consider if this will impact their business—and obtain a color label printer to help them do so, if they haven't already.
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