Labeling of Plant-Based Alternatives to Animal-Derived Foods: Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability; Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Published Date: 1/7/2025
Notice
Summary
The FDA is rolling out draft rules to help companies label plant-based foods that replace animal products, making names clearer and fairer for shoppers. This affects makers of plant-based meats and cheeses (but not plant-based milks, which have separate rules). Businesses should send their feedback by May 7, 2025, and get ready for new labeling standards that could impact marketing and packaging costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Relabeling Costs for Plant-Based Manufacturers
If you are a manufacturer, packer, or distributor of plant-based alternatives (eggs, seafood, poultry, meat, dairy excluding plant-based milk), the FDA's draft guidance recommends relabeling to follow naming and labeling best practices. FDA estimates 160 manufacturers will relabel 5 products each (800 total disclosures), at 1 hour per disclosure for 800 hours and a one-time capital relabeling cost of $1,231,200.
Clearer Labels for Plant-Based Foods
The FDA's draft guidance aims to make names and labels for plant-based alternatives (to eggs, seafood, poultry, meat, and dairy, excluding plant-based milk alternatives) clearer so consumers understand the foods they buy and can make informed dietary choices. The guidance provides recommendations where no common or usual name exists and, when finalized, will reflect FDA's current thinking.
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