FDA provides guidance on allergen safety and plant-based product labeling

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued updated guidelines to help the food industry address allergen labeling, food safety, and the labeling of plant-based alternatives to animal products. These documents aim to improve compliance with federal regulations and provide clarity for manufacturers while ensuring consumers have accurate information to make informed choices.

One of the finalized documents focuses on food allergen labeling, updating earlier guidance based on public feedback. This guidance offers detailed information on labeling requirements for allergens, including tree nuts, sesame, milk, and eggs. It also addresses specific cases involving incidental additives, highly refined oils, dietary supplements, and packaging scenarios.

The FDA has also outlined its process for evaluating food allergens not classified among the nine major ones recognized by law, such as milk, eggs, fish, and peanuts. This guidance informs stakeholders about how the agency assesses the public health significance of other potential allergens.

To support manufacturers of low-moisture ready-to-eat foods, such as powdered infant formula, the FDA has released draft recommendations on establishing effective sanitation programs. The guidance emphasizes compliance with good manufacturing practices and risk-based preventive controls to mitigate food safety risks.

Additionally, the FDA has provided draft guidelines for labeling plant-based alternatives to animal-derived products, including eggs, seafood, poultry, meat, and dairy (excluding plant-based milk alternatives). This guidance aims to ensure labels accurately reflect the nature of these products, helping consumers differentiate between plant-based and conventional animal products.

The FDA encourages public input on the draft guidances to refine these documents before finalization. These measures underline the agency’s commitment to public health, food safety, and clear communication in food labeling.