Abstract
Food labels provide valuable information to consumers and provide a source of advertising for the food industry; however, the accuracy of the label information (e.g., allergens, ingredients, calories, nutrients, health claims, etc.) can have both public health and economic implications. As a result, the food protection professional (FPP) must be able to review food labels for any form of misbranding as defined by food laws and regulations. Misbranding, according to Section 502 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) includes, but is not limited to, false or misleading advertising, failing to identify the name and location of the manufacturer, and prescribing or recommending a dosage that is dangerous to health. The FPP also needs to be aware of certain “visual” requirements, such as font size and the location of certain information, and stay informed of the current and emerging trends related to food labeling.
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Notes
- 1.
FALCPA does not require allergens to be printed in boldface type, although some companies follow this practice.
- 2.
A nutritive sweetener cannot be added to orange juice. Therefore, selection “A” would not comply. The name “Joggin in a Jug” is a fanciful name that fails to properly describe the nature of this food. Since a single strength juice cannot be diluted, selection “C” would be out of compliance. The correct answer is selection “D.” The term “juice” is qualified by identifying the beverage as a “drink.” This permits the addition of sugar and/or water. However, the percent of juice in the finished product must be listed above the Nutrition Facts Panel.
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Appendices
Activity
-
1.
Who is responsible for determining the serving size to be placed on the label of a packaged food?
-
(a)
The manufacturer by using NLEA guidance
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(b)
FDA
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(c)
Consumer organizations
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(d)
State FPPs
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(a)
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2.
All of the following allergens are major allergens triggering mandatory labeling except:
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(a)
Tree nuts
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(b)
Milk
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(c)
Corn
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(d)
Soybeans
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(e)
Peanuts
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(a)
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3.
The name and address of the manufacturer or distributor of a packaged food must be located in the bottom one-third of the principal display panel.
True/False
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4.
Which one of the following “common or usual” names for a beverage complies with FDA labeling requirements?
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(a)
Sweetened orange juice
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(b)
Joggin in a Jug
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(c)
Diluted apple juice
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(d)
Mixed fruit juice drink
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(a)
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5.
“Cholesterol-Free” is an example of what kind of label claim?
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(a)
Health claim
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(b)
Nutrient content claim
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(c)
Structure/function claim
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(a)
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6.
Which of these food labeling items is NOT preempted by federal law/regulations?
-
(a)
Net weight
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(b)
Nutrition content
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(c)
Warning statements
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(d)
High in fiber
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(a)
Answer Key
(1) B (2) C (3) False (4) DFootnote 2 (5) B (6) C (7) E
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Sowards, D., Shaw, K.D., Jankowski, S., Sevchik, J. (2015). Labeling. In: Bradsher, J., Wojtala, G., Kaml, C., Weiss, C., Read, D. (eds) Regulatory Foundations for the Food Protection Professional. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0650-5_14
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