The FDA to Revoke Obsolete Food Standards for Over 50 Products
Dive Brief:
- The FDA announced its intention to eliminate standards for more than 50 food products, labeling them as “obsolete and unnecessary.”
- The 52 standards of identity set to be revoked include those for dairy, baked goods, canned fruit, and vegetable products.
- This move is part of a broader review of over 250 standards of identity by the FDA, aiming to promote innovation and healthier product options.
Dive Insight:
Since 1939, the FDA has established standards of identity for food products to ensure ingredient quality and processing standards. However, with modern labeling requirements and consumer transparency, these standards are now considered outdated.
The dairy industry has been particularly vocal about the need to eliminate identity standards that limit innovation and product development. Over one-third of the 280 standards of identity impact dairy products.
The rigidity of these standards is evident in examples like cheese varieties, where specific moisture content and fat percentages are mandated. The FDA’s proposal to revoke these standards reflects a shift towards more flexible regulations that support industry innovation.
Notable standards set to be eliminated include those for canned fruit juices, macaroni products, and vanilla extract. The FDA is also revoking 11 standards for canned fruits and vegetables that are no longer commonly sold in the U.S.
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the importance of adapting food standards to modern consumer needs and industry practices. This large-scale revocation of standards marks a significant step towards a more adaptive and efficient regulatory framework.
While the FDA has revoked standards of identity in the past, this current initiative represents a comprehensive effort to streamline regulations and promote a more dynamic food industry landscape.
