FDA updates voluntary nutrition labeling

The list of the top 20 raw fruits and vegetables remained the same, but on the top 20 list for fish, tuna, and tilapia are replacing mackerel and whiting. Atlantic, coho, and sockeye are being subsumed into the salmon subgroup. Chum/pink is a second subgroup. Some of the nutrient values for these foods will be changed. FDA is soliciting information on the timing and cost of redesigning informational materials. It expects to publish the new guidelines in 2002, with an effective compliance date of January 1, 2004. Companies may use the new values in their labeling before the rule making is completed.