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NAMA Reinforces Request For FDA Front-Of-Pack Label Specification

CHICAGO -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association has joined forces with other leading food industry advocacy organizations in submitting a request to Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb for a definitive rule specifying the size of the type font that will be required for compliance with FDA's front-of-pack calorie labeling regulation. The signatory associations also requested FDA discretion in enforcing the regulation until this ruling is made. NAMA teamed up with the Groce...

May 29, 2018

CHICAGO -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association has joined forces with other leading food industry advocacy organizations in submitting a request to Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb for a definitive rule specifying the size of the type font that will be required for compliance with FDA's front-of-pack calorie labeling regulation. The signatory associations also requested FDA discretion in enforcing the regulation until this ruling is made.

NAMA teamed up with the Grocery Manufacturers Association; American Beverage Association; National Confectioners Association; and SNAC International (the former Snack Food Association), in making the formal request. The petitioners asked that FDA "exercise enforcement discretion with respect to specific provisions of the Calorie Labeling of Articles of Food in Vending Machines final rule until FDA makes the technical amendments to this rule to which it has committed."

"NAMA appreciates FDA's willingness to work together on this issue," said NAMA senior vice-president for external affairs Eric Dell. " We trust that at the end of the day, OMB and FDA will agree on a solution that is reasonable for all.

"Front-of-pack labeling continues to be very significant to the entire industry and consumers alike, involving signage for gum, mints, rolled candy and multi-serving packages," Dell observed.

"Working together with the coalition partners, we're making progress on behalf of the industry," he continued.  "We have requested a response by June 5 and look forward to a resolution moving forward."