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April 2020
Greetings!

Here is April's issue of Label Alert. We hope you are safe and well, and invite you to read the COVID-19 statement (at right) from Prime Label Consultants.

This issue is naturally dominated by COVID-19 news. Both the FDA and the USDA are issuing temporary labeling guidance for some foods sold at retail, and the FDA has several another coronavirus related announcements, amongst other news....

FDA Temporarily Eases Nutrition Labeling on Some Packaged Foods
The FDA is providing some temporary flexibility to food manufacturers and restaurants in regards to nutrition labeling so that they can sell certain packaged food products directly to consumers and retailers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Separately, the FDA says that it won't take enforcement actions on the new NFP for the remainder of the year.
FDA Issues Temporary Guidance on Food Supplier Verification Audit Requirements
According to this guidance, in certain circumstances related to the impact of the coronavirus, FDA does not intend to enforce requirements in three food regulations to conduct onsite audits of food suppliers if other supplier verification methods are used instead. 
USDA Update: Temporary Allowances for Labels Going to Retail
FSIS is exercising enforcement discretion for a temporary period to provide labeling flexibilities for products intended for food service going to retail. This update describes certain situations in which product can move to retail with certain labeling deviations.  These situations apply to product that has already been produced.
COVID-19: Packaged Food & Beverage Brands Enjoy Surging Sales, but Mass Unemployment Could Change the Landscape Rapidly
Should prolonged social distancing measures generate mass unemployment, premium priced natural and organic products will likely not be top of most people's shopping lists, while private label sales will likely rise, although packaged foods will continue to benefit overall as consumers stop eating out, predicted firms FoodNavigator-USA spoke to this week.
FDA Offers Assurance About Food Safety and Supply for People and Animals During COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new frontier for all of us as we deal with the realities of a pandemic and the impact it is having on our lives.... [L]et me assure you first that the U.S. food supply remains safe for both people and animals. There is no evidence of human or animal food or food packaging being associated with transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
USDA Admits it May Be Misleading Consumers with "Product of USA" Labeling
USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service admitted Thursday it may be misleading consumers about where their meat comes from. The admission came in response to a petition filed by the United States Cattlemen's Association about accurate labeling.
STAY SAFE!
take care of yourself
During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, all of us here at PLC are thinking about the safety and well-being of our families, colleagues, customers, partners, and the many friends who make up our vibrant community. 

Our hearts are with those who have been affected personally by the outbreak of COVID-19.

In today's challenging environment, we want to let you know how we are securing our business and, in turn, yours. For nearly 50 years, we have been honored by the trust you place in us to run your critical labeling work. Accordingly, the PLC staff has been working from home for the last month or so, and everyone is healthy and safe. Our teams are fully ready to respond to your needs when they arise and we request to work with customers through digital channels as much as possible. 

Best wishes to all of you navigating this challenging time, and know that you have a friend in Washington D.C.

The Staff at Prime Label
LabelAlert@primelabel.com     |     202.546.3333     |     PrimeLabel.com

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Prime Label Consultants, 536 7th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
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