The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established January 2, 2012, as the uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations that are issued between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010. This new uniform compliance date applies only to final FDA food labeling regulations that require changes in the labeling of food products. This final rule is effective December 8, 2008, and the FDA will accept written or electronic comments by February 23, 2009. Final rule and instructions for submitting comments.

The FDA periodically issues regulations requiring changes in the labeling of food. The effective dates of these labeling changes are coordinated in order to minimize the cumulative economic impact on the food industry of having to respond separately to each label change. A uniform compliance date allows sufficient lead time to plan for the use of existing label inventories and to develop new labeling materials. The policy also serves consumers’ interests by eliminating the cost of multiple short-term label revisions that would likely be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. In light of these considerations, the FDA periodically announces uniform compliance dates for new food labeling requirements. On December 21, 2006, the FDA established January 1, 2010, as the uniform compliance date for food labeling regulations issued between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2008.

STR provides laboratory testing and quality assurance services to manufacturers, retailers, marketers and ingredient suppliers of consumer packaged goods. With vast product, regulatory, and supply chain knowledge, we are astute problem solvers who focus on responding to and solving your immediate needs. STR provides testing, audit, inspection, and responsible sourcing services and help ensure that our clients have the highest level of confidence in the quality, safety, and social standards of their products and systems. For more information, contact us at info@STRQuality.com.

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