August 2023

Dear Christina,

Welcome to August's Label Alert! In this month's headlines: the World Health Organization says aspartame may cause cancer, Tyson pulls its 'No Antiobiotics Ever' labeling, FDA issues an update on sesame allergen labeling, and more ...

Plus, this month we're excited to announce PLC's 2023 Food Label Seminars, offered virtually October 25-27!

Now, get caught up on the latest industry news from Label Alert.

Aspartame May Cause Cancer, Global Health Body Says

The World Health Organization’s cancer research arm has labeled aspartame a “possible carcinogen,” casting new doubts on the safety of one of the world’s most common artificial sweeteners.

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Tyson Will Stop Using its ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ Label on Chicken

Tyson will once again use certain antibiotics in its chickens, eight years after it announced plans to ditch the drugs in some of its production and slapped a “no antibiotics ever” label on its packaging.

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An Update on Sesame Allergen Labeling on Food Packages

In his update on sesame allergen labeling on food packaging, FDA Commissioner of Food and Drugs Robert Califf acknowledged that manufacturers are adding appropriate warning labels to their packages as required. However, he also noted an unforeseen consequence of the sesame labeling regulation, which is the addition of sesame to products that previously did not contain sesame. This reduces the number of sesame-free food options for allergic consumers.

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Hearing Wrap Up: FDA’s Failure to Regulate CBD Threatens Consumer Access to Safe Products

The Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services held a hearing to examine the failures of the FDA to regulate CBD and hemp-derived products. Despite the 2018 Farm Bill legalizing the growth and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products, the FDA has refused to acknowledge that it has the authority to regulate. The FDA must take action to regulate CBD to create certainty for the industry, support the economy, farmers, and businesses, and ensure the safety of products.

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Food & Beverage Litigation and Regulatory Update - July 2023

This update on 2023 food and beverage litigation includes the latest on.aspartame as a carcinogen, Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's proposed investigation into PRIME Beverages' for caffeine content and marketing to children, and a consumer lawsuit against Dole for misleading health claims.

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AAFCO: Changes to Pet Food and Specialty Pet Food Packaging Aimed at Improved Consistency and Transparency

In the first major pet food packaging update in more than 40 years, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved new labeling guidelines that include standardized nutrition information, clear ingredient statements, and storage and handling instructions.

Read on ...