i- On August 25, the FDA published a proposed rule to revise the standard of identity and standard of fill of container for canned tuna. If finalized, the proposed rule would:
- Replace the pressed cake weight method with the drained weight method to determine the standard of fill of container;
- Clarify that the use of a packing medium is optional;
- Remove provisions for specific flavorings and spices to avoid redundancy and allow the use of safe and suitable flavorings and spices as optional ingredients; and
- Revise the language throughout the section to improve clarity and readability.
- The proposed rule responds, in part, to a citizen petition filed by Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, StarKist Co., and Tri Union Seafoods, LLC (dba Chicken of the Sea International).
- The canned tuna standards were established in 1957, and although the standards have been amended several times, it seems that certain requirements are outdated. FDA stated that the agency “aims to modernize food standards to maintain the basic nature and nutritional integrity of products while allowing industry flexibility for innovation to produce more healthful foods.”
- Stakeholder comments must be submitted by November 24, 2023 to docket number FDA-2016-P-0147.
FDA Proposes to Amend Canned Tuna Standard
Friday, August 25, 2023
