Remaining compliant with the ever-changing landscape of FDA regulations impacting companies in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) industry is no easy feat.
However, understanding and implementing these changes into packaging, labeling, and artwork processes is non-negotiable.
And for good reason, the FDA has significantly increased its recall of foods, particularly when failure to disclose allergens is involved. For example, “FDA food recalls surged 27.6% from 105 in Q4 to 134 events in Q1” (Segwick).
Furthermore, recalls for undeclared allergens constituted 38.1% of the total figure in Q1 (Segwick).
In this article, we will explore the latest FDA regulatory updates, their impact on packaging requirements, best practices for maintaining compliance, and ensuring consumer safety.
Let’s dive into how automated tools can streamline the labeling content management process and reduce the risk of recalls.
New FDA Regulations: An Overview
The FDA has introduced several new regulations affecting the CPG industries. One major update relates to food labels specifying allergen information in general and, more specifically, for sesame products.
Sesame has been declared a major allergen, resulting in its inclusion in labeling, and triggering a series of changes to ensure consumer safety.
Additionally, new food additive bans are now being enforced in certain states, impacting approximately 38,000 product formulas according to Gwenael Bultelle, Esko CPG Category Specialist. Clearly, such a change has resulted in the need for significant modifications in product labeling and packaging.
For example, the California Food Safety Act seeks to ban the following additives: BVO, potassium bromate, propylparaben, and red dye 3. Introduced in 2023, the law won’t go into effect until 2027 (The National Agricultural Law Center).
The cosmetics industry also finds itself responding to an onslaught of regulatory changes implemented pursuant to the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), including mandatory allergen labeling, professional use indications, producer addresses, and national and international ingredient labeling standards.
MoCRA expands the FDA’s authority over cosmetics. Key aspects include:
- Adverse Event Reporting: Mandatory reporting of serious adverse events.
- Facility Registration: Cosmetic manufacturing facilities must register with the FDA.
- Product Listing: Each marketed cosmetic product must be listed with the FDA.
- Safety Substantiation: Manufacturers must ensure and document product safety.
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): FDA to establish GMP regulations.
With these changes, companies must adapt their packaging to include additional, producer, and professional use details. They highlight the need for a comprehensive labeling process.
For more details, visit the FDA’s MoCRA page.
