Comment period on use of ‘healthy’ labeling extended

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending the comment period for a docket to receive information and comments on the use of the term “healthy” in the labeling of human food products. FDA established the docket through a notice that appeared in the Federal Register of Sept. 28, 2016. Originally, a 120-day comment period was scheduled to end on Jan. 26. The comment period has been extended for 90 days, until April 26.

In the notice, FDA requested comments on the term “healthy”, generally, and as a nutrient content claim in the context of food labeling. The agency also requested comments on specific questions contained in the notice. The extension is in response to requests for an extension to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments, according to an FDA press release.

Comments may be submitted in the following ways:

• Electronic submission: Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted electronically, including attachments, to www.regulations.gov will be posted to the docket unchanged.
• Written submission: Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.