RE: GRAS additives...must be labeled?

From: Rippen, Thomas E. (terippen@mail.umes.edu)
Date: Thu Feb 13 2003 - 11:56:09 PST

  • Next message: Rippen, Thomas E.: "RE: GRAS additives...must be labeled?"

    Marcelo,

    Myron's advice to contact FDA is a good recommendation but, in general, additives (GRAS or not) must be accurately identified (not just a generic description) in the ingredient statement. The method of application (added to the fish or to the can) is unlikely to alter the requirement to label it. Incidental substances or processing aids that have no functional effect in the final food may not require labeling but this is not always clear-cut. I am not an authority on this topic so please contact FDA or an attorney familiar with U.S. food law.

    Tom

    Thomas E. Rippen
    Seafood Technology Specialist
    Sea Grant Extension Program
    Richard A. Henson Center
    University of Maryland Eastern Shore
    Princess Anne, MD 21853
    410-651-6636
    410-651-6207 fax
    terippen@mail.umes.edu

    -----Original Message-----
    From: MCrider [mailto:Myron@amcat.org]
    Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 6:55 AM
    To: seafood@ucdavis.edu
    Subject: Re: GRAS additives...must be labeled?

    I believe that the FDA requires the ingredient to be listed on the label if
    [paraphrasing] 'the ingredient is present in a significant amount and has a
    function in the finished product. A incidental additive with no technical
    effect and in trace amounts, e.g. sulfites at <10ppm, may not have to be
    listed.'
    You can find the USFDA labeling regulations at http://www.fda.gov. My
    suggestion would be to place a phone call to the U.S. FDA and discuss your
    labeling concerns with them. I have no doubt they will be happy to help and
    advise you. The applicable branch, CFSAN, is located in College Park,
    Maryland.

    Myron Crider
    Seafood Quality Management Services
    Atlanta, GA

    ----- Original Message -----
    From: "Marcelo Muņoz Cisternas" <marcelo.munozc@kalle.cl>
    To: "Seafood List" <seafood@ucdavis.edu>
    Sent: Monday, February 10, 2003 9:29 AM
    Subject: GRAS additives...must be labeled?

    Dear all:
    I'd like to ask if I use a GRAS additive in canned atlantic salmon do I have
    to put it in the ingredient list?
    If so should I use the specific name of the additive or just "authorized
    aditive"?
    Is it different if I pre-treat the salmon to prevent curd formation or if I
    add the additive to the can? Should I list the additive in both cases?
    Thanks for your kind answers.
    Best regards

    Marcelo Muņoz
    marcelo.munozc@kalle.cl



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