The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued new guidelines for the alt-protein industry and to address food safety concerns. Key recommendations focus on labeling plant-based analogs of traditionally animal-derived foods, such as alt-seafood, with clear and accurate ingredient information and the “common or usual name” of the food (e.g., “cashew-derived crab alternative”). Generic labels like “Plant-Based Burger” are discouraged as they lack specificity about ingredients. Public comments on the draft are open until May 7, 2025. Additional guidance covers the treatment of low-moisture, ready-to-eat foods and pathogen contamination events, advising producers to adopt sanitation programs, conduct root cause investigations, and avoid relying solely on product testing for contamination verification. Updates to allergen labeling were editorial, with no major changes since sesame was added as a major allergen in 2021. The FDA also clarified how to petition for the inclusion of non-major allergens. While nonbinding, these guidelines reflect the FDA’s latest public health recommendations.
- Labeling Plant-Based Protein Products:
- Draft guidelines recommend labeling plant-based analogs with clear ingredient details and the “common or usual name” (e.g., “cashew-derived crab alternative”).
- Generic terms like “Plant-Based Burger” or “Meatless Meatballs” are insufficient as they don’t identify the specific plant source.
- Public comments on the draft guidance are open until May 7, 2025.
- Food Safety Guidelines:
- Producers should adopt sanitation and environmental monitoring programs, conduct root cause investigations for pathogen contamination, apply sanitizing treatments, and identify affected foods.
- Sole reliance on product testing for pathogen elimination is discouraged.
- Food Allergen Labeling:
- Editorial updates clarify guidelines but do not change existing allergen labeling rules.
- Major allergens include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybean, and sesame.
- Guidance outlines how non-major allergens may be petitioned for inclusion in the list.
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