FDA Extends Comment Period on Conventional Foods Marketed as "Functional Foods"
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a notice extending the comment period for its October 25, 2006 Federal Register notice which sought public comments and scheduled a public hearing for December 5, 2006 on the regulation of certain conventional foods that companies are marketing as "functional foods."
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Comment Deadline Extended to March 5, 2007
The FDA states that the comment period is extended for 60 days until March 5, 2007 (from January 5, 2007).
Comments Sought on How Such Foods Should Be Regulated
The FDA previously stated that it had neither a definition nor a specific regulatory category for conventional foods being marketed as "functional foods." It regulates conventional foods being marketed as "functional foods" under the same regulatory framework as other conventional foods.
(The FDA previously noted that on March 24, 2005, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) issued a report that defined "functional foods" as "foods and food components that provide a health benefit beyond basic nutrition (for the intended population). These substances provide essential nutrients often beyond quantities necessary for normal maintenance, growth, and development, and/or other biologically active components that impart health benefits or desirable physiological effects." Examples of functional foods cited in the report include conventional foods; fortified, and enriched or enhanced foods.)
(See ITT's Online Archives or 11/02/06 news, 06110220, for BP summary of the FDA notice of public hearing and request for comments.)
FDA contact - Juanita Yates (301) 436-1731
FDA notice (D/N 2002P-0122 (formerly 02P-0122), FR Pub 01/08/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-47.pdf