Source: Lisa M. Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 12/30/16

In a notice posted on its website, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the comment period for feedback regarding its process to redefine “healthy” nutrient content claims on food labels.

The content period now will continue to April 26, 2017 in response to requests for additional time to submit comments, the agency said. The initial comment period had been scheduled to end January 26, 2017. The FDA also intends to hold a public meeting to facilitate further dialogue on this topic.

Redefining “healthy” is part of an overall plan to provide consumers with information and tools to help them make food choices consistent with public health recommendations, and to encourage the development of healthier foods by the industry.

While FDA is considering how to redefine the term “healthy” as a nutrient content claim, food manufacturers can continue to use the term “healthy” on foods that meet the current regulatory definition.

FDA is issuing a guidance document stating that FDA does not intend to enforce the regulatory requirements for products that use the term if certain criteria described in the guidance document are met.

Comments can be submitted electronically to http://www.regulations.gov to docket folder FDA-2016-D-2335.

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