Dairy Foods Columnists

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Formulating dairy products for children can be tricky. Two essential ingredients are a clean label and a clever package, possibly adorned with Disney or Star Wars characters.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulations represent a paradigm shift in how food is regulated in the United States to protect consumers from foodborne illness. The act and its corresponding regulations not only place more responsibility on food manufacturers, but also provide FDA with substantial new authority to use when inspecting facilities.

With more than two-thirds of households purchasing flavored cheese and over 283 million pounds sold in 2016 alone, there is no denying that this category is generating a lot of interest. In fact, nearly 300 new flavored cheese products were added to the market last year, flaunting flavors such as jalapeño, smoked, herb, pimento, taco, berry, alcohol, bacon, citrus and coffee.

The new Nutrition Facts regulations redefine fiber, adding a requirement that certain isolated or synthetic fiber ingredients must show a beneficial effect on human health. But implementation of those new regulations will probably be postponed until 2020.

Like most other food and beverage sectors, the bakery industry is adjusting to reflect the increased interest in clean eating. Bakers are finding ways to develop more nutritious sweet and savory treats by revisiting traditional recipes and using simpler ingredients.

To the credit of FDA, a wealth of resources has been assembled to help processors develop and implement a plan to come into compliance with the Preventive Controls rules. For example, the agency created a Food Safety Plan Builder to assist owners/operators of food facilities with the development of food safety plans that are specific to their facilities and has published several guidance documents related to implementing Food Safety Modernization Act.

I am in a reflective state of mind as I wrap up my last regular contribution to “Culturally Speaking.” While I do not advocate living in the past, there is much to be learned from what has come before us so we move smartly into the future.

The rules of engaging regulators have shifted in the Trump administration, offering new channels and increased access that create a better regulatory environment for both consumers and industry. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) quickly recognized this environment as an opportunity for a new approach. We intensified ongoing efforts to gain regulatory revisions - and, in some cases, relief - with significant results.

I've just completed my first year at the helm of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), and it's truly a joy to reflect on all that's happened during that brief time. To start, let me say how much I've enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people throughout the dairy supply chain and learning about the inner workings of this dynamic industry.

Are you rushing to update your label before the July 26, 2018, deadline? Here’s the good news: FDA recently proposed extending the compliance date for using the new Nutrition Facts panels.