FDA reminds food industry of novel ingredients law

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a letter to the food industry restating the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, andCosmetic Act regarding the marketing of conventional foods containing novel ingredients, including botanicals. FDA is issuing this letter because ofthe significant growth in the marketing of foods containing these ingredients. FDA is concerned that some botanical and other novel ingredients that are being added to conventional foods are neither approved foodadditives, nor generally recognized as being safe for these uses. This letter serves as a reminder to the industry of the longstanding legalrequirements governing conventional food products. In particular the official body reminded the food industry that the FDA must review health claims and nutrient content claims prior to marketing, unless the claim has been authorized by regulation or by statuteunder the authoritative statement notification procedure.