Dear seafood list:
I have a question related to the definition of net weight for frozen seafood glazed products (in block) in the US
Checking the FDA site for food labeling in:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/flg-3.html
In question N° 8
Is water or other packing medium included in determining the net quantity of contents in a food container?
The water or other liquid added to food in a container is usually included in the net quantity declared on a label. In some cases where the packing medium is normally discarded, the drained weight is given, e.g., olives and mushrooms.
Beans weigh 9 oz.
Water weighs 4 oz.
Sugar weighs 1 oz.
Net Weight 14 oz. (396 g)
21 CFR 101.105(a)
With the definition given for me it is no so clear if the water added for glazing seafood products, should be included in the net weight declaration, like:
seafood product + glazing water = product net weight
And if it is so, there shouldn't be a declaration of the drained weight (it shouldn't be mandatory)?
If the product is sale with a net weight declaration, what should be the maximum allowance for the glazing water (is there is any maximum %)?
How the consumer could know the difference, does he/she should pay the same for water than for the seafood product?
Why the consumer should pay more for a product that is sell with a net weight of 4 pounds for example, having maybe 1/2 pound of glazing water, than for a product which drained weight is the same as the declared net weight, and how could the company that is making such an effort could obtain advantage of it?
>From my point of view the definition is confusing I believe that in glazed products it should be mandatory the drained weight declaration. If there is any other part of the US law where it mention something else about the subject, please advise. Excuse me if it seems more like questions for a food law list.
Regards,
Eng. Daniel Núñez T.
ASQ Certified Quality Auditor - ASQ Certified Quality Auditor HACCP
HACCP Lead Auditor
Technical Manager
Sudamar Cia.Ltda. - Seafood Quality Assurance Company
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