WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the time period for receiving information and comments on the use of the term “healthy” in the labeling of human food products, moving the date to April 26, 2017, from the original date of Jan. 26, 2017.
The FDA said information on the extension will appear in the Dec. 30 issue of the Federal Register. The initial notice on healthy labeling appeared in the Sept. 28 issue of the Federal Register.
“We have received requests to extend the comment period,” the FDA said on Dec. 29. “The requests conveyed concern that the current 120-day comment period does not allow sufficient time to develop meaningful or thoughtful comments to the questions and issues we presented in the notice.
“We have considered the requests and are extending the comment period for 90 days, until April 26, 2017. We believe that a 90-day extension allows adequate time for interested persons to submit comments.”
The FDA requests comments on the term “healthy,” both generally and as a nutrient content claim in the context of food labeling. The FDA also requested comments on specific questions in the notice.
Comments may be sent electronically at www.regulations.gov. Written comments may be sent to Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
