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FDA Updates Guidelines on Fortification Policy for Labels



On November 6, 2015 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a guidance on its fortification policy for adding nutrients to food. The FDA's issuance of its opinions on its fortification policy was long-awaited since its last policy was issued more than 30 years ago. Although it was amended in 1993 to conform to the Reference Daily Intakes, this is the first time since 1980 that the FDA is formally issuing new guidance on its fortification policy.

The new guidance provides advice on how to properly fortify foods. It also though cautions companies against fortifying snack foods, unsweetened carbonated beverages, low-calories and alcoholic beverages that "could mislead consumers to believe that substitution of naturally nutrient dense foods with fortified snack foods would ensure a nutritionally adequate diet."

Check out the FDA's Q+A about its fortification policy on its website.

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