What’s going on in the ever-changing world of regulatory? Our resident regulatory guru, Ashley Brooks, is here to help! Here are some of the most pressing hot topics in regulatory that food companies should be paying attention to.
“Potassium Chloride Salt” Draft Guidance Issued
On May 17th the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance allowing the use of “potassium chloride salt” on food label statements. Until recently, manufacturers were required to list this ingredient as potassium chloride, its common name. Potassium chloride is used as a partial substitute for sodium chloride (salt). The FDA views the draft guidance as consistent with its multi-year Nutrition Innovation Strategy, which aims to reduce chronic disease through improved nutrition, and sodium reduction. Americans on average consume 3,400 mg of sodium per day, over twice the new recommended amount of 1,500 mg per day. A lower sodium diet has been shown to help reduce the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension). While potassium chloride isn’t a perfect replacement, as too much can produce a bitter or metallic taste, it may be a possible solution to help manufacturers slowly wean consumers off high-salt products. A public comment period will be open for 60 days. Read more here
FDA to define Healthy
The Trump Administration published the “Spring 2019 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions”; which details the upcoming plans/actions of all administrative agencies both near and long term. Per the agenda, a proposed rule for the updated definition of “healthy” is expected by end of spring. Additionally, a proposed rule for the revocation of uses of partially hydrogenated oils in foods is expected in November. The full agenda can be found here
Need help navigating regulatory requirements? Reach out to Ashley at [email protected].
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