FSIS Proposes Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling Regulations - US - The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS or the agency) is proposing to establish Jan. 1, 2008, as the uniform compliance date for new food labeling regulations that are issued by the agency between Jan. 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2006.

FSIS believes that there should be a uniform compliance date for all food product-labeling regulations affecting meat and poultry establishments, that are issued within a two-year period.

The agency is establishing the uniform compliance date to be consistent with the approach that the Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already established and to minimize economic burden and business interruption that may result from new labeling regulations.

According to the agency, “establishing a compliance date will ensure that changes will take effect on a timely basis, but that companies will not have to respond separately to each change.” Further, industry will be able to plan for the use of label inventories and develop new labeling materials that include the new requirements of all labeling regulations made within the two-year period, thereby minimizing the economic impact of labeling changes. Comments on the proposal will be accepted through July 6, 2004.

To view the proposal, please visit the FSIS website at:
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FRPubs/03-026P.htm

Source: American Meat Institute (AMI) - 7th May 2004