FDA to revoke 52 obsolete food standards

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to revoke 52 food standards after concluding that they are obsolete and unnecessary. The 52 standards are for canned fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, macaroni products and other foods.

“I’m eliminating outdated food regulations that no longer serve the interests of American families,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Today marks a crucial step in my drive to cut through bureaucratic red tape, increase transparency and remove regulations that have outlived their purpose.”

This marks the first action from the agency’s ongoing review of more than 250 food Standards of Identity (SOI) to ensure regulations remain relevant and beneficial for consumers. Many of these standards date back to the 1930s and have been made redundant by modern food science, updated safety regulations, and labelling requirements.

“The FDA’s Standards of Identity efforts have helped ensure uniformity, boost consumer confidence and prevent food fraud. But many of these standards have outlived their usefulness and may even stifle innovation in making food easier to produce or providing consumers healthier choices,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Antiquated food standards are no longer serving to protect consumers. It is common sense to revoke them and move to a more judicious use of food standards and agency resources.”

The FDA issued:

• A direct final rule revoking 11 standards for canned fruits and vegetables no longer sold in U.S. stores.
• A proposed rule to revoke 18 dairy product standards, including for certain cheeses, creams, and frozen desserts.
• A proposed rule to revoke 23 standards covering bakery, noodle, juice, seafood, and food dressing products.