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US: FDA relaxing labeling requirements.
May. 25th, 2020 12:01 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
j00jI wrote a comment to the FDA about the temporary policy relaxing labeling requirements during the pandemic.
I am definitely concerned for friends and family members, especially folks who need to rely more on packaged/prepared foods-- not everyone can avoid by cooking from scratch! And I've seen a number of disability activists express concerns about this as well for folks with less common allergies/sensitivities (note: I am not an expert on this topic so additional info/resources welcome!).
Here's a script you can use and adapt to tell your reps if you're concerned about this as well.
"This comment is in regards to "Temporary Policy Regarding Certain Food Labeling Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Minor Formulation Changes and Vending Machines ".
I am deeply concerned about the safety implications for people who have allergies to foods other than the "big 8". [I/Friends and family members] are allergic to items such as [list items outside the big 8]. While current shortages present challenges to manufacturers, they also present challenges to consumers with allergies whose normal safe choices may be unavailable or altered. I urge the FDA not to relax labeling requirements that may endanger consumers."
Version for reps:
"I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of the FDA's guidance regarding "Temporary Policy Regarding Certain Food Labeling Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Minor Formulation Changes and Vending Machines ".
This guidance is not safe for people who have allergies to foods other than the "big 8". Friends and family members are severely allergic to items such as [items]. While current shortages present challenges to manufacturers, they also present challenges to consumers with allergies whose normal safe choices may be unavailable or altered. I ask you to urge the FDA not to relax labeling requirements that may endanger consumers."
I couldn't find how to comment on the whole COVID docket as directed in the PDF. Unsure if my comment on a related item will be counted, or if they will post this newer item for separate comment. Info from people who've dealt with FDA more also very welcome!
I am definitely concerned for friends and family members, especially folks who need to rely more on packaged/prepared foods-- not everyone can avoid by cooking from scratch! And I've seen a number of disability activists express concerns about this as well for folks with less common allergies/sensitivities (note: I am not an expert on this topic so additional info/resources welcome!).
Here's a script you can use and adapt to tell your reps if you're concerned about this as well.
"This comment is in regards to "Temporary Policy Regarding Certain Food Labeling Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Minor Formulation Changes and Vending Machines ".
I am deeply concerned about the safety implications for people who have allergies to foods other than the "big 8". [I/Friends and family members] are allergic to items such as [list items outside the big 8]. While current shortages present challenges to manufacturers, they also present challenges to consumers with allergies whose normal safe choices may be unavailable or altered. I urge the FDA not to relax labeling requirements that may endanger consumers."
Version for reps:
"I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of the FDA's guidance regarding "Temporary Policy Regarding Certain Food Labeling Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Minor Formulation Changes and Vending Machines ".
This guidance is not safe for people who have allergies to foods other than the "big 8". Friends and family members are severely allergic to items such as [items]. While current shortages present challenges to manufacturers, they also present challenges to consumers with allergies whose normal safe choices may be unavailable or altered. I ask you to urge the FDA not to relax labeling requirements that may endanger consumers."
I couldn't find how to comment on the whole COVID docket as directed in the PDF. Unsure if my comment on a related item will be counted, or if they will post this newer item for separate comment. Info from people who've dealt with FDA more also very welcome!
