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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2003 |
Contact: Lee Sanders
V.P., Regulatory & Technical Services |
FDA Releases New Trans Fat Labeling Final Rule -
ABA Prepares Membership for Labeling Change
On July 9, 2003, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson announced that FDA's new regulation will require manufacturers of most foods to list trans fat content on the Nutrition Facts panel. The rule calls for labeling of trans fat content on a separate line of the Nutrition Facts panel immediately under saturated fat. The trigger for labeling is 0.5 gram (1/2 gram) per serving, and the compliance date for the new regulation is January 1, 2006. "ABA is providing our membership with all of the information and guidance they need to make the necessary revisions to their product labels," said ABA President & CEO Paul C. Abenante. "The 2006 compliance date provides flexibility for bakers to make changes and allows for minimization of multiple labeling changes," Mr. Abenante stated. "This is the first significant change to the Nutrition Facts panel since its 1993 establishment," added Lee Sanders, ABA Vice President, Regulatory and Technical Services.
Besides announcing the FDA final rule, FDA also released a question and answer document on trans fat and the new regulations as well as a backgrounder and listing of labeling examples. The final rule will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, July 11.
Additionally today, FDA announced an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit information and additional data that could be used to establish new nutrient content claims about trans fat; to establish qualifying criteria for trans fat in current nutrition content claims for saturated fat and cholesterol, lean and extra lean claims and health claims that contain a message about cholesterol raising fats, and in addition, as disclosure and disqualifying criteria to help consumers make heart-healthy food choices. FDA is also asking for comments on whether to consider statements about trans fat, either alone or in combination with saturated fat and cholesterol, as a footnote in the Nutrition Facts panel or as a disclosure statement in conjunction with claims to enhance consumers' understanding when making food choices. These comments will be due to FDA in early October. "ABA will actively continue to address the issues surrounding trans fat labeling," concluded Mr. Abenante.
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