The U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA has released draft guidance titled "Labeling of Plant-Based Alternatives to Animal-Derived Foods." This document provides clear recommendations for naming and labeling plant-based foods marketed as alternatives to animal-derived products, such as eggs, seafood, poultry, meat, and dairy. Plant-based milk alternatives are excluded, as they are addressed under separate guidelines.
The FDA emphasises product names must be prominently displayed on packaging and, in the absence of a legally established Standard of Identity, must use a descriptive statement or a common name. This approach addresses the challenges posed by novel ingredients in plant-based products lacking established terminology.
To ensure transparency, the guidance recommends plant-based products identify their specific plant source, such as "soy" or "almond," and clearly state they are not derived from animals. Additionally, simply stating “plant-based” without highlighting the predominant ingredient may be considered misleading.
Examples of best practices include using names like "soy-based cheddar cheese" instead of just "cheddar cheese," and "plant-based soy bacon" instead of vague terms like "pork-less bacon." For products with multiple ingredients, the most predominant should be highlighted, such as "Black Bean Mushroom Veggie Patties" for a patty with black beans as its main ingredient.
This guidance could prove beneficial for countries already grappling with debates over the naming of plant-based products. It provides a framework for clear, standardised labelling, reducing consumer confusion and potential conflicts over terms like "milk" or "cheese" for plant-based items.
For consumers, these guidelines promote informed decision-making by ensuring transparency about a product's ingredients and its plant-based origins, helping them make choices aligned with dietary preferences or ethical considerations. The move also supports global trade by aligning terminology across markets.
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