The updated compliance program serves as a key resource for FDA inspectors conducting labelling inspections at both domestic and foreign food facilities
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a significant update to its Compliance Program 7321.005, now titled General Food Labelling Requirements and Labelling-Related Sample Analysis – Domestic and Import. This revised version replaces the 2010 edition and incorporates the latest federal regulations, enforcement priorities, and operational guidance for food labelling oversight.
The updated compliance program serves as a key resource for FDA inspectors conducting labelling inspections at both domestic and foreign food facilities. It is designed to ensure that food labels are truthful, not misleading, and comply with all applicable regulations, thereby protecting consumers and promoting transparency in the food supply chain.
Among the most notable updates are the inclusion of sesame as the ninth major food allergen, as mandated by the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021. The revised program also guides gluten-free labelling and aligns with the 2016 Nutrition Facts label updates, which introduced new formatting and nutrient declaration requirements.
According to the FDA, these enhancements will improve the consistency of data collection, strengthen enforcement activities, and bolster regulatory compliance across both domestic and imported food products.
This move reflects the FDA’s continued commitment to modernising its regulatory framework and advancing public health through accurate and transparent food labelling practices.
