The FDA Makes Temporary Changes to Food Label Requirements

FREE CASE EVALUATION

  • We’ll win or it’s free.
  • 200+ 5 Star Reviews
  • 5000+ Cases Prepared for Trial

The FDA Makes Temporary Changes to Food Label Requirements

The new coronavirus has affected nearly every facet of American life, including triggering food shortages here in the United States. Because of this, the FDA has recently granted food producers permission to omit  “minor changes” on their ingredient labels. Though we believe the decision was well-intentioned, many people believe it puts those with food allergies at serious risk. Please continue reading to learn more.

What are the specifics of the FDA’s recent announcement?

With the new flexibility, food producers are now allowed to change, omit, or substitute certain ingredients without updating the list of ingredients on the package as long as the change “does not cause any adverse health effect.” The rules stated specifically in the guidelines are as follows:

  • The omitted or substituted ingredient cannot be a major ingredient and must only make up 2% or less of the food
  • Characterizing ingredients are not allowed to be changed
  • The omitted or substituted ingredient cannot impact the product’s nutritional value

Some examples of these omissions, provided by the FDA, are as follows:

  • Green peppers can be omitted from the ingredient list of a pre-packaged vegetable quiche
  • Companies are allowed to substitute unbleached flour for bleached flour, as long as the bleaching agent is in short supply
  • Companies are allowed to substitute canola oil for sunflower oil since they contain similar fats and neither is a common allergen

How does this put people in danger?

When a company produces/distributes any item, they are responsible for ensuring that the product is safe for all. There are three forms of product liability lawsuits: designer negligence, manufacturer negligence, and a failure to warn. When a company fails to clearly label their product to warn consumers of any risks that may come along with using the product, an otherwise safe product can quickly become unsafe. This is true for food as well; if someone has a serious allergen, and they unknowingly come in contact with that allergen because it was not included on the ingredient label, they may have a severe allergic reaction.

Many people and advocacy groups are taking note of this move, as SnackSafely.com CEO Dave Bloom said in a statement, “If you have a food allergy, the substitution of ingredients can be extremely dangerous and can cause anaphylaxis. The fact that they (the FDA) say 2% or less of an ingredient is changed means nothing because even a little trace of an allergen can cause a reaction and send someone to the hospital.” He went on to say, “There are 32 million Americans that have a food allergy – that’s one in 10 of us that are put at risk by this.”

Though we do not know how long this temporary change will continue, we can only hope that no one faces the unintended consequences of this decision. For any further questions, give our New York City personal injury attorney a call today.

Contact Us For A Free Case Review

CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM

Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, do not hesitate to call 212-421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.

Recent Blog Posts

The Role of Surveillance Footage in Slip and Fall Cases
One of the best ways to prove negligence in a slip and fall injury claim is through surveillance footage. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Bronx slip… Read More
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
When seeking legal representation, particularly in slip and fall injury cases, the lawyer you hire to represent you can make a world of difference. Please continue reading to learn more… Read More
Recovering Compensation Following a Supermarket Accident in NYC
Very few people ever dream of getting injured in a supermarket, especially since they are seen as such mundane aspects of our lives. However, if you have been involved in… Read More
What are the Best Types of Evidence for Proving a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
In the bustling heart of New York City, where the pace never slows, slip and fall accidents are, unfortunately, far from common. That said, if you've been injured in a… Read More
How Do Parking Lot Accidents Happen?
Though you may not consider parking lots to be very dangerous, the fact of the matter is parking lot accidents occur every single day, and if you've been injured in… Read More
What You Need to Know About Stairwell Accidents in NYC
Many of us have taken a spill down a stairwell at least once in our lives. In most cases, such a fall simply results in some bruises and scrapes, but… Read More
The Role of Surveillance Footage in Slip and Fall Cases
One of the best ways to prove negligence in a slip and fall injury claim is through surveillance footage. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Bronx slip… Read More
What Qualities Should I Look for in a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
When seeking legal representation, particularly in slip and fall injury cases, the lawyer you hire to represent you can make a world of difference. Please continue reading to learn more… Read More
Recovering Compensation Following a Supermarket Accident in NYC
Very few people ever dream of getting injured in a supermarket, especially since they are seen as such mundane aspects of our lives. However, if you have been involved in… Read More
What are the Best Types of Evidence for Proving a Slip and Fall Accident Claim?
In the bustling heart of New York City, where the pace never slows, slip and fall accidents are, unfortunately, far from common. That said, if you've been injured in a… Read More
How Do Parking Lot Accidents Happen?
Though you may not consider parking lots to be very dangerous, the fact of the matter is parking lot accidents occur every single day, and if you've been injured in… Read More
What You Need to Know About Stairwell Accidents in NYC
Many of us have taken a spill down a stairwell at least once in our lives. In most cases, such a fall simply results in some bruises and scrapes, but… Read More

MEMBERSHIPS AND AWARDS

Trial Lawyers University
Car Accident Lawyer

THE LAW OFFICE OF RICHARD M. KENNY

Whether you need a car accident lawyer, slip and fall lawyer or legal representation for any type of accident, the NYC personal injury lawyers at The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny can help. Located in New York City, we've helped thousands of individuals throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings County), Manhattan, Queens and Nassau County recover the compensation they need to receive proper medical care, treatment and quality of life after serious injury.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

If you've been injured due to the negligence or wrong-doing of another, we can provide you and your loved ones with the legal support needed to ensure proper medical attention, long-term treatment and fair, reasonable financial compensation is received for your personal injury. The initial consultation is always free. For immediate assistance, call (212) 421-0300.

"*" indicates required fields

TRANSIT INFORMATION:

34 St. - Herald Sq (0.13 mi)
St. - Penn Station (0.17 mi)
34 St. - Penn Station (0.35 mi)