Recent proposed changes to food label regulations published by the FDA have left many labeling and regulatory executives in the food manufacturing industry concerned regarding the potential impact these changes will have on a wide variety of label components. From suggested changes in nutrition serving sizes to special claims and additives, the suggested changes would not only have a tremendous impact on the food industry but would also require substantial changes or reformulations to many products. As an industry, executives are looking to gather in order to discuss the ramifications of these proposed revisions, as well as set out realistic timelines for reformulating and relabeling the thousands of products on the market across the country.
While regulatory concerns are of primary importance to labeling teams, additional challenges will also be addressed, including working with suppliers in order to understand complete ingredient and label information as well as the increasing need to prominently label allergens. Working with outside suppliers in order to accurately track and manage ingredients and label documentation are of great concern, and establishing partnerships with outside vendors will also provide an opportunity to streamline the labeling function through technology and advanced tracking databases. Overall, this conference will provide an educational setting like no other for labeling and regulatory executives, as the industry enters a time of great change.