IDFA is pleased to report that IDFA’s persistent advocacy in partnership with 11 food trade associations has paid off for our members. Earlier today we learned that the Food and Drug Administration granted our request asking for an additional 6 months’ time to the food industry to complete nutrition facts label changes. With this change, IDFA members and the whole food industry now have until July 1, 2020 to make the changes.

As we noted in our communications to FDA Acting Commissioner Ned Sharpless, with a January 1, 2020 Nutrition Label change deadline fast approaching, a number of our member companies are faced with large amounts of obsolete packaging inventory. These high costs for wasted packaging, in the millions of dollars, are just unacceptable—and we took action on your behalf.

FDA’s announcement today granting 6 months of enforcement discretion to the food industry for the new Nutrition Fact Label following the Jan 1, 2020 compliance date demonstrates that when join together as a dairy industry and unify our voices with other advocates in the food space, good things can happen.

FDA has added a new, helpful Question and Answer document to their website to assist during this transition: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/industry-resources-changes-nutrition-facts-label#Compliance.

Additionally, to assist our members with navigating the details of these complex labeling changes, IDFA has undertaken a comprehensive update to our three labeling manuals—the Milk, Yogurt & Cultured Products Labeling Manual; the Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Labeling Manual; and the Cheese Labeling Manual. The updated manuals include product specific examples and references to help you understand details of each of the new regulations and which changes impact dairy product labeling. Purchase the labeling manuals here: Milk, Yogurt & Cultured; Ice Cream; Cheese.

IDFA also offers a host of helpful webinars and educational sessions for our members and non-members looking for help and guidance navigating regulatory policy. Learn more here.

If you should need assistance or have questions, please contact me at cfrye@idfa.org or 202-220-3543. We are grateful for your membership and pleased to deliver this news.