Pandemic Jolts Federal Policy for Food Labeling
Because of the coronavirus, the Food and Drug Administration has recently issued interim food labeling guidelines, in response to possible supply chain issues and shortages. These guidelines created confusion as to “what’s in, what’s out and what’s new” in food products. As a result, there have been responses and reactions from throughout the food allergy community. From petitions to letters, from comments to FDA to calls for clarity regarding these guidelines, our community has been vocal in response to these changes. And the FDA heard us. The FDA has developed a FAQ page and provided additional guidance to help clarify its new guidelines.
Pandemic Jolts Federal Policy for Food Labeling

Reporting by Patrick Morris
June 20, 2020
If you suffer from a food allergy, a food’s product label is essential reading. It can help determine what foods are safe to eat and which are not. Because of the coronavirus, the FDA recently has issued interim food labeling guidelines, in response to possible supply chain issues and shortages. These changes produced confusion and frustration among numerous allergy suffers. The Allergy Advocacy Association, working with other members of the food allergy community, lobbied the FDA about the possible impact these label guideline changes could have. To provide a better understanding of these interim requirements the FDA has developed a FAQ page.