Washington, D.C. – Bakers applaud FDA and the Trump Administration for granting bakers and their suppliers a more reasonable time for implementation of FDA's Nutrition Facts Label rule. The extension of the compliance date to January 1, 2020 for companies with $10 million or more in annual food sales will provide needed time and flexibility to resolve several unanswered questions. Manufacturers smaller than that will have one additional year.
“FDA’s decision recognizes the practical consequences of a complete change-over of our food labels. This additional time will help suppliers and bakers provide consumers with needed nutrition information to make healthy, informed decisions about their diets,” said ABA President and CEO Robb MacKie. “We also hope this additional time will enable harmonized label changes for both FDA’s nutrition facts label rule and USDA’s bioengineered food disclosure. One label change would be beneficial for consumers and industry alike.”
Due to myriad labeling changes, bakers and other food manufacturers have been seeking a common-sense implementation timeframe to diffuse consumer confusion. Bakers, specifically, are still awaiting necessary final guidance on both dietary fiber and added sugars labeling requirements so they can make changes as needed.
“Bakers are eager to receive complete information and guidance from FDA so that we are able to get started with nutrition labeling revisions to provide clear, concise information for American consumers,” added Lee Sanders, ABA Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs. “Clarity on these technical issues are critical to avoid further consumer confusion around their food.”
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About the American Bakers Association:
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the Washington D.C.-based voice of the wholesale baking industry. Since 1897, ABA has represented the interests of bakers before the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory authorities. ABA advocates on behalf of more than 1,000 baking facilities and baking company suppliers. ABA members produce bread, rolls, cookies, crackers, bagels, sweet goods, tortillas and many other wholesome, nutritious, baked products for America’s families. The baking industry generates more than $153 billion in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people.
Source: American Bakers Association
