A food shall be deemed to be misbranded-
If (1) its labeling is false or misleading in any particular, or (2) in the case of a food to which section 350 of this title applies, its advertising is false or misleading in a material respect or its labeling is in violation of section 350(b)(2) of this title.
If it is offered for sale under the name of another food.
If it is an imitation of another food, unless its label bears, in type of uniform size and prominence, the word "imitation" and, immediately thereafter, the name of the food imitated.
If its container is so made, formed, or filled as to be misleading.
If in package form unless it bears a label containing (1) the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor; and (2) an accurate statement of the quantity of the contents in terms of weight, measure, or numerical count, except that under clause (2) of this paragraph reasonable variations shall be permitted, and exemptions as to small packages shall be established, by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
If any word, statement, or other information required by or under authority of this chapter to appear on the label or labeling is not prominently placed thereon with such conspicuousness (as compared with other words, statements, designs, or devices, in the labeling) and in such terms as to render it likely to be read and understood by the ordinary individual under customary conditions of purchase and use.
If it purports to be or is represented as a food for which a definition and standard of identity has been prescribed by regulations as provided by section 341 of this title, unless (1) it conforms to such definition and standard, and (2) its label bears the name of the food specified in the definition and standard, and, insofar as may be required by such regulations, the common names of optional ingredients (other than spices, flavoring, and coloring) present in such food.
If it purports to be or is represented as-
For purposes of paragraph (3), a determination by the Secretary that a process or treatment has not been shown to meet the requirements of subclauses (I) through (III) of subparagraph (B)(i) shall constitute final agency action under such subclauses.
Unless its label bears (1) the common or usual name of the food, if any there be, and (2) in case it is fabricated from two or more ingredients, the common or usual name of each such ingredient and if the food purports to be a beverage containing vegetable or fruit juice, a statement with appropriate prominence on the information panel of the total percentage of such fruit or vegetable juice contained in the food; except that spices, flavorings, and colors not required to be certified under section 379e(c) of this title1 unless sold as spices, flavorings, or such colors, may be designated as spices, flavorings, and colorings without naming each. To the extent that compliance with the requirements of clause (2) of this paragraph is impracticable, or results in deception or unfair competition, exemptions shall be established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary.
If it purports to be or is represented for special dietary uses, unless its label bears such information concerning its vitamin, mineral, and other dietary properties as the Secretary determines to be, and by regulations prescribes as, necessary in order fully to inform purchasers as to its value for such uses.
If it bears or contains any artificial flavoring, artificial coloring, or chemical preservative, unless it bears labeling stating that fact, except that to the extent that compliance with the requirements of this paragraph is impracticable, exemptions shall be established by regulations promulgated by the Secretary. The provisions of this paragraph and paragraphs (g) and (i) with respect to artificial coloring shall not apply in the case of butter, cheese, or ice cream. The provisions of this paragraph with respect to chemical preservatives shall not apply to a pesticide chemical when used in or on a raw agricultural commodity which is the produce of the soil.
If it is a raw agricultural commodity which is the produce of the soil, bearing or containing a pesticide chemical applied after harvest, unless the shipping container of such commodity bears labeling which declares the presence of such chemical in or on such commodity and the common or usual name and the function of such chemical, except that no such declaration shall be required while such commodity, having been removed from the shipping container, is being held or displayed for sale at retail out of such container in accordance with the custom of the trade.
If it is a color additive, unless its packaging and labeling are in conformity with such packaging and labeling requirements, applicable to such color additive, as may be contained in regulations issued under section 379e of this title.
If its packaging or labeling is in violation of an applicable regulation issued pursuant to section 1472 or 1473 of title 15.
in each serving size or other unit of measure of the food,
The Secretary may by regulation require any information required to be placed on the label or labeling by this subparagraph or subparagraph (2)(A) to be highlighted on the label or labeling by larger type, bold type, or contrasting color if the Secretary determines that such highlighting will assist consumers in maintaining healthy dietary practices.
The vegetables, fruits, and raw fish to which such guidelines apply shall be determined by the Secretary by regulation and the Secretary may apply such guidelines regionally.
If a person is not an importer, has fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, and sells fewer than 10,000 units of any food product in any year, such person is not required to file a notice for such product under this subclause for such year.
the vending machine operator shall provide a sign in close proximity to each article of food or the selection button that includes a clear and conspicuous statement disclosing the number of calories contained in the article.
A statement of the type required by paragraph (q) that appears as part of the nutrition information required or permitted by such paragraph is not a claim which is subject to this paragraph and a claim subject to clause (A) is not subject to clause (B).
For purposes of this clause, a statement shall be regarded as an authoritative statement of a scientific body described in subclause (i) only if the statement is published by the scientific body and shall not include a statement of an employee of the scientific body made in the individual capacity of the employee.
For purposes of this clause, a statement shall be regarded as an authoritative statement of a scientific body described in subclause (i) only if the statement is published by the scientific body and shall not include a statement of an employee of the scientific body made in the individual capacity of the employee.
A statement under this subparagraph may not claim to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent a specific disease or class of diseases. If the manufacturer of a dietary supplement proposes to make a statement described in the first sentence of this subparagraph in the labeling of the dietary supplement, the manufacturer shall notify the Secretary no later than 30 days after the first marketing of the dietary supplement with such statement that such a statement is being made.
Such proposed regulations shall be deemed final agency action for purposes of judicial review.
If-
A dietary supplement shall not be deemed misbranded solely because its label or labeling contains directions or conditions of use or warnings.
If it purports to be or is represented as catfish, unless it is fish classified within the family Ictaluridae.
If it purports to be or is represented as ginseng, unless it is an herb or herbal ingredient derived from a plant classified within the genus Panax.
If-
Notwithstanding subsection (g), (i), or (k), or any other law, a spice, flavoring, coloring, or incidental additive that is, or that bears or contains, a food allergen (other than a major food allergen), as determined by the Secretary by regulation, shall be disclosed in a manner specified by the Secretary by regulation.
If it is a dietary supplement that is marketed in the United States, unless the label of such dietary supplement includes a domestic address or domestic phone number through which the responsible person (as described in section 379aa-1 of this title) may receive a report of a serious adverse event with such dietary supplement.
1So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
21 U.S.C. § 343
EDITORIAL NOTES
AMENDMENTS2010-Par. (q)(5)(A)(i). Pub. L. 111-148, §4205(a)(1), inserted "except as provided in clause (H)(ii)(III)," before "which is served".Par. (q)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 111-148, §4205(a)(2), inserted "except as provided in clause (H)(ii)(III)," before "which is processed".Par. (q)(5)(H). Pub. L. 111-148, §4205(b), added cl. (H). 2006-Par. (y). Pub. L. 109-462 added par. (y). 2004-Pars. (w), (x). Pub. L. 108-282 added pars. (w) and (x).2002-Par. (h). Pub. L. 107-171, §10808(b), added subpar. (3) and concluding provisions. Par. (t). Pub. L. 107-171, §10806(a)(2), added par. (t).Par. (u). Pub. L. 107-171, §10806(b)(2), added par. (u).Par. (v). Pub. L. 107-188 added par. (v). 2000-Par. (o). Pub. L. 106-554 which directed repeal of section 403(o) of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, was executed by repealing par. (o) of this section, which is section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Prior to repeal, par. (o) provided that a food containing saccharin was to be deemed misbranded unless a specified warning statement was placed in a conspicuous place on its label. 1997-Par. (r)(2)(B). Pub. L. 105-115, §305, amended cl. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (B) read as follows: "If a claim described in subparagraph (1)(A) is made with respect to a nutrient in a food, the label or labeling of such food shall contain, prominently and in immediate proximity to such claim, the following statement: 'See __________ for nutrition information.'. In the statement- "(i) the blank shall identify the panel on which the information described in the statement may be found, and"(ii) if the Secretary determines that the food contains a nutrient at a level which increases to persons in the general population the risk of a disease or health-related condition which is diet related, taking into account the significance of the food in the total daily diet, the statement shall also identify such nutrient."Par. (r)(2)(G), (H). Pub. L. 105-115, §304, added cls. (G) and (H). Par. (r)(3)(C), (D). Pub. L. 105-115, §303, added cls. (C) and (D).Par. (r)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 105-115, §302, inserted after second sentence "If the Secretary does not act within such 100 days, the petition shall be deemed to be denied unless an extension is mutually agreed upon by the Secretary and the petitioner.", inserted "or the petition is deemed to be denied" after "If the Secretary denies the petition", and inserted at end "If the Secretary does not act within such 90 days, the petition shall be deemed to be denied unless an extension is mutually agreed upon by the Secretary and the petitioner. If the Secretary issues a proposed regulation, the rulemaking shall be completed within 540 days of the date the petition is received by the Secretary. If the Secretary does not issue a regulation within such 540 days, the Secretary shall provide the Committee on Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate the reasons action on the regulation did not occur within such 540 days."Par. (r)(7). Pub. L. 105-115, §301, added subpar. (7). 1996-Par. (p). Pub. L. 104-124 struck out par. (p), which deemed products containing saccharin and offered for sale, but not for immediate consumption, by retail establishment, to be misbranded, unless notice of information required by subsec. (o) was provided by manufacturer and prominently displayed near product. 1994-Par. (q)(5)(F). Pub. L. 103-417, §7(b), amended cl. (F) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (F) read as follows: "If a food to which section 350 of this title applies (as defined in section 350(c) of this title) contains one or more of the nutrients required by subparagraph (1) or (2) to be in the label or labeling of the food, the label or labeling of such food shall comply with the requirements of subparagraphs (1) and (2) in a manner which is appropriate for such food and which is specified in regulations of the Secretary." Par. (r)(2)(F). Pub. L. 103-417, §7(c), added cl. (F). Par. (r)(6). Pub. L. 103-417, §6, added subpar. (6). Par. (s). Pub. L. 103-417, §10(c), inserted at end: "A dietary supplement shall not be deemed misbranded solely because its label or labeling contains directions or conditions of use or warnings." Pub. L. 103-417, §7(a), added par. (s). 1993-Par. (e). Pub. L. 103-80, §3(j)(1), substituted "count, except that" for "count: Provided, That".Par. (i). Pub. L. 103-80, §3(j)(2), substituted "unless sold as spices, flavorings, or such colors" for ",other than those sold as such" and "naming each. To the extent" for "naming each: Provided, That, to the extent". Par. (k). Pub. L. 103-80, §3(j)(3), substituted ",except that" for ":Provided, That".Par. (l). Pub. L. 103-80, §3(j)(4), substituted "chemical, except that" for "chemical: Provided, however, That".Par. (q)(5)(E) to (G). Pub. L. 103-80, §2(b), added cl. (E) and redesignated former cls. (E) and (F) as (F) and (G), respectively.Par. (r)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103-80, §3(j)(5), substituted "(5)(D)" for "5(D)".Par. (r)(4)(B). Pub. L. 103-80, §3(j)(6), substituted "paragraph" for "subsection". 1992-Par. (i). Pub. L. 102-571, §107(5), substituted "379e(c)" for "376(c)".Par. (m). Pub. L. 102-571, §107(6), substituted "379e" for "376". 1991-Par. (i). Pub. L. 102-108, §2(c), amended directory language of Pub. L. 101-535, §7(1), (3). See 1990 Amendment note below.Par. (q)(4)(A). Pub. L. 102-108, §2(a), substituted "(D)" for "(C)". 1990-Par. (i). Pub. L. 101-535, §7, as amended by Pub. L. 102-108, §2(c), substituted "Unless" for "If it is not subject to the provisions of paragraph (g) unless", inserted "and if the food purports to be a beverage containing vegetable or fruit juice, a statement with appropriate prominence on the information panel of the total percentage of such fruit or vegetable juice contained in the food", and substituted "colors not required to be certified under section 376(c) of this title" for "colorings" the first time appearing.Par. (q). Pub. L. 101-535, §2(a), added par. (q).Par. (r). Pub. L. 101-535, §3(a), added par. (r).1977-Par. (o). Pub. L. 95-203, §4(a)(1), added par. (o).Par. (p). Pub. L. 95-203, §4(b)(1), added par. (p).1976-Par. (a). Pub. L. 94-278 inserted "(1)" after "If" and inserted ",or (2) in the case of a food to which section 350 of this title applies, its advertising is false or misleading in a material respect or its labeling is in violation of section 350(b)(2) of this title" after "any particular". 1970-Par. (n). Pub. L. 91-601 added par. (n). 1960-Par. (k). Pub. L. 86-537, §1(1), exempted pesticide chemicals when used in or on a raw agricultural commodity which is the produce of the soil.Par. (l). Pub. L. 86-537, §1(2), added par. (l).Par. (m). Pub. L. 86-618 added par. (m).
STATUTORY NOTES AND RELATED SUBSIDIARIES
CHANGE OF NAMECommittee on Commerce of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Energy and Commerce of House of Representatives, and jurisdiction over matters relating to securities and exchanges and insurance generally transferred to Committee on Financial Services of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Jan. 3, 2001.Committee on Labor and Human Resources of Senate changed to Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of Senate by Senate Resolution No. 20, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 19, 1999.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2006 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 109-462, §3(d)(1), (2), Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3475, provided that:"(1) IN GENERAL.-Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [enacting section 379aa-1 of this title and amending this section and section 331 of this title] shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2006]."(2) MISBRANDING.-Section 403(y) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(y)] (as added by this section) shall apply to any dietary supplement labeled on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2006]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2004 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 108-282 applicable to any food that is labeled on or after Jan. 1, 2006, see section 203(d) of Pub. L. 108-282 set out as a note under section 321 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1997 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 105-115 effective 90 days after Nov. 21, 1997, except as otherwise provided, see section 501 of Pub. L. 105-115 set out as a note under section 321 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 103-417, §7(e), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4331, provided that: "Dietary supplements-"(1) may be labeled after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994] in accordance with the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 350 of this title], and"(2) shall be labeled after December 31, 1996, in accordance with such amendments."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENT Pub. L. 101-535, §10(a), Nov. 8, 1990, 104 Stat. 2365, as amended by Pub. L. 102-571, title II, §202(a)(3), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4501, provided that:"(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2)- "(A) the amendments made by section 2 [amending this section] shall take effect 6 months after-"(i) the date of the promulgation of all final regulations required to implement section 403(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(q)], or"(ii) if such regulations are not promulgated, the date proposed regulations are to be considered as such final regulations [Nov. 8, 1992, see 57 F.R. 56347],except that section 403(q)(4) of such Act shall take effect as prescribed by such section,"(B) the amendments made by section 3 [amending this section] shall take effect 6 months after-"(i) the date of the promulgation of final regulations to implement section 403(r) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or"(ii) if such regulations are not promulgated, the date proposed regulations are to be considered as such final regulations [Nov. 8, 1992, see 57 F.R. 56347], except that any person marketing a food the brand name of which contains a term defined by the Secretary under section 403(r)(2)(A)(i) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act shall be given an additional 6 months to comply with section 3,"(C) the amendments made by section 4 [amending section 337 of this title] shall take effect 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1990], except that such amendments shall take effect with respect to such dietary supplements [probably means dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances, see section 202(a)(1) of Pub. L. 102-571 set out below] on December 31, 1993, and"(D) the amendments made by section 5 [amending sections 321 and 345 of this title] shall take effect on the date the amendments made by section 3 take effect."(2) Section 403(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (as added by section 2) shall not apply with respect to food which was labeled before the effective date of the amendments made by section 2 and section 403(r) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (as added by section 3) shall not apply with respect to food which was labeled before the effective date of the amendments made by section 3."(3)(A) If the Secretary finds that a person who is subject to section 403(q)(4) of such Act is unable to comply with the requirements of such section upon the effective date of final regulations to implement section 403(q) of such Act or of proposed regulations to be considered as such final regulations because the Secretary has not made available to such person the information required by such section, the Secretary shall delay the application of such section to such person for such time as the Secretary may require to provide such information."(B) If the Secretary finds that compliance with section 403(q) or 403(r)(2) of such Act would cause an undue economic hardship, the Secretary may delay the application of such sections for no more than one year." Pub. L. 101-535, §10(c), Nov. 8, 1990, 104 Stat. 2367, as amended by Pub. L. 102-108, §1, Aug. 17, 1991, 105 Stat. 549; Pub. L. 102-571, title I, §107(17), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4500, provided that:"(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the amendments made by section 7 [amending this section] shall take effect one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1990]. "(2)(A) If a food subject to section 403(g) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(g)] or a food with one or more colors required to be certified under section 721(c) [of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. 379e(c)] bears a label which was printed before July 1, 1991, and which is attached to the food before May 8, 1993, such food shall not be subject to the amendments made by section 7(1) and section 7(3) [amending this section]."(B) If a food described in subparagraph (A)-"(i) bears a label which was printed after July 1, 1991, but before the date the proposed regulation described in clause (ii) takes effect as a final regulation and which was attached to the food before May 8, 1993, and"(ii) meets the requirements of the proposed regulation of the Secretary of Health and Human Services published in 56 Fed. Reg. 28592-28636 (June 21, 1991) as it pertains to the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1990 Amendment note set out under section 301 of this title],such food shall not be subject to the amendments made by section 7(1) and section 7(3) [amending this section]. "(3) A food purported to be a beverage containing a vegetable or fruit juice which bears a label attached to the food before May 8, 1993, shall not be subject to the amendments made by section 7(2) [amending this section]."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1977 AMENDMENTPub. L. 95-203, §4(a)(2), Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1453, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to food introduced or delivered for introduction in interstate commerce on and after the 90th day after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 23, 1977]."Pub. L. 95-203, §4(b)(2), Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1453, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to food which is sold in retail establishments on or after the 90th day after the effective date of the regulations of the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare [now Secretary of Health and Human Services] under paragraph (p)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(p)(4)] ."
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1976 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 94-278 effective 180 days after Apr. 22, 1976, see section 502(c) of Pub. L. 94-278 set out as a note under section 334 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1970 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 91-601 effective Dec. 30, 1970, and regulations establishing special packaging standards effective no sooner than 180 days or later than one year from date regulations are final, or an earlier date published in Federal Register, see section 8 of Pub. L. 91-601 set out as an Effective Date note under section 1471 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1960 AMENDMENT Amendment by Pub. L. 86-618 effective July 12, 1960, subject to the provisions of section 203 of Pub. L. 86-618 see section 202 of Pub. L. 86-618 set out as a note under section 379e of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE; POSTPONEMENTSubsecs. (e)(1) and (g) to (k) effective Jan. 1, 1940, and such subsections effective July 1, 1940, as provided by regulations for certain lithographed labeling and containers bearing certain labeling, see act June 23, 1939, ch. 242, 53 Stat. 853, set out as an Effective Date; Postponement in Certain Cases note under section 301 of this title.
CONSTRUCTION OF AMENDMENT BY PUB. L. 111-148 Pub. L. 111-148, title IV, §4205(d), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 576, provided that: "Nothing in the amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 343-1 of this title] shall be construed- "(1) to preempt any provision of State or local law, unless such provision establishes or continues into effect nutrient content disclosures of the type required under section 403(q)(5)(H) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(q)(5)(H)] (as added by subsection (b)) and is expressly preempted under subsection (a)(4) of such section; "(2) to apply to any State or local requirement respecting a statement in the labeling of food that provides for a warning concerning the safety of the food or component of the food; or"(3) except as provided in section 403(q)(5)(H)(ix) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(q)(5)(H)(ix)] (as added by subsection (b)), to apply to any restaurant or similar retail food establishment other than a restaurant or similar retail food establishment described in section 403(q)(5)(H)(i) of such Act [21 U.S.C. 343(q)(5)(H)(i)] ."
CONSTRUCTION OF AMENDMENT BY PUB. L. 108-282 Pub. L. 108-282, title II, §203(b), Aug. 2, 2004, 118 Stat. 908, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 321 and 343-1 of this title] that require a label or labeling for major food allergens do not alter the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) to require a label or labeling for other food allergens."
CONSTRUCTION OF AMENDMENT BY PUB. L. 107-188 Nothing in amendment by Pub. L. 107-188 to be construed to limit authority of Secretary of Health and Human Services or Secretary of the Treasury to require marking of articles of food imported or offered for import into the United States which are refused admission, see section 308(c) of Pub. L. 107-188 set out as a note under section 381 of this title.
CONSTRUCTION OF AMENDMENTS BY PUB. L. 101-535 Pub. L. 101-535, §9, Nov. 8, 1990, 104 Stat. 2365, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting section 343-1 of this title and amending this section and sections 321, 337, 345, and 371 of this title] shall not be construed to alter the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Agriculture under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.], the Federal Meat Inspection Act [21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.], the Poultry Products Inspection Act [21 U.S.C. 451 et seq.], and the Egg Products Inspection Act [21 U.S.C. 1031 et seq.]."
REGULATIONS Pub. L. 101-535, §2(b), Nov. 8, 1990, 104 Stat. 2356, as amended by Pub. L. 102-571, title II, §202(a)(2)(A), (B), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4500, 4501, provided that:"(1) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue proposed regulations to implement section 403(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(q)] within 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1990], except that the Secretary shall issue, not later than June 15, 1993, proposed regulations that are applicable to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances to implement such section. Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to implement the requirements of such section, except that the Secretary shall issue, not later than December 31, 1993, such a final regulation applicable to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances..[sic] Such regulations shall- "(A) require the required information to be conveyed to the public in a manner which enables the public to readily observe and comprehend such information and to understand its relative significance in the context of a total daily diet,"(B) include regulations which establish standards, in accordance with paragraph (1)(A), to define serving size or other unit of measure for food,"(C) permit the label or labeling of food to include nutrition information which is in addition to the information required by such section 403(q) and which is of the type described in subparagraph (1) or (2) of such section, and"(D) permit the nutrition information on the label or labeling of a food to remain the same or permit the information to be stated as a range even though (i) there are minor variations in the nutritional value of the food which occur in the normal course of the production or processing of the food, or (ii) the food is comprised of an assortment of similar foods which have variations in nutritional value."(2) If the Secretary of Health and Human Services does not promulgate final regulations under paragraph (1) upon the expiration of 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the proposed regulations issued in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be considered as the final regulations upon the expiration of such 24 months, except that the proposed regulations applicable to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances shall not be considered to be final regulations until December 31, 1993. There shall be promptly published in the Federal Register notice of new status of the proposed regulations [see 57 F.R. 56347]."(3) If the Secretary of Health and Human Services does not promulgate final regulations under section 403(q)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act upon the expiration of 6 months after the date on which the Secretary makes a finding that there has been no substantial compliance with section 403(q)(4)(C) of such Act, the proposed regulations issued in accordance with such section shall be considered as the final regulations upon the expiration of such 6 months. There shall be promptly published in the Federal Register notice of new status of the proposed regulations."[Pub. L. 102-571, title II, §202(a)(2)(C), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4501, provided that: "The amendments made by subparagraph (B) [amending sections 2(b) and 3(b) of Pub. L. 101-535 set out above and below] shall not be construed to modify the effective date of final regulations under sections 2(b) and 3(b) of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101-535] (21 U.S.C. 343 note) with respect to foods that are not such dietary supplements."] Pub. L. 101-535, §3(b), Nov. 8, 1990, 104 Stat. 2360, as amended by Pub. L. 102-571, title II, §202(a)(2)(A), (B), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4500, 4501, provided that: "(1)(A) Within 12 months of the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1990], the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue proposed regulations to implement section 403(r) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(r)], except that the Secretary shall issue, not later than June 15, 1993, proposed regulations that are applicable to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances to implement such section. Such regulations-"(i) shall identify claims described in section 403(r)(1)(A) of such Act which comply with section 403(r)(2) of such Act,"(ii) shall identify claims described in section 403(r)(1)(B) of such Act which comply with section 403(r)(3) of such Act,"(iii) shall, in defining terms used to characterize the level of any nutrient in food under section 403(r)(2)(A)(i) of such Act, define-"(I) free,"(II) low, "(III) light or lite,"(IV) reduced, "(V) less, and"(VI) high,unless the Secretary finds that the use of any such term would be misleading,"(iv) shall permit statements describing the amount and percentage of nutrients in food which are not misleading and are consistent with the terms defined in section 403(r)(2)(A)(i) of such Act,"(v) shall provide that if multiple claims subject to section 403(r)(1)(A) of such Act are made on a single panel of the food label or page of a labeling brochure, a single statement may be made to satisfy section 403(r)(2)(B) of such Act,"(vi) shall determine whether claims respecting the following nutrients and diseases meet the requirements of section 403(r)(3) of such Act: Calcium and osteoporosis, dietary fiber and cancer, lipids and cardiovascular disease, lipids and cancer, sodium and hypertension, and dietary fiber and cardiovascular disease,"(vii) shall not require a person who proposes to make a claim described in section 403(r)(1)(B) of such Act which is in compliance with such regulations to secure the approval of the Secretary before making such claim,"(viii) may permit a claim described in section 403(r)(1)(A) of such Act to be made for butter,"(ix) may, in defining terms under section 403(r)(2)(A)(i), include similar terms which are commonly understood to have the same meaning, and "(x) shall establish, as required by section 403(r)(5)(D), the procedure and standard respecting the validity of claims made with respect to a dietary supplement of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances and shall determine whether claims respecting the following nutrients and diseases meet the requirements of section 403(r)(5)(D) of such Act: folic acid and neural tube defects, antioxident [sic] vitamins and cancer, zinc and immune function in the elderly, and omega-3 fatty acids and heart disease."(B) Not later than 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to implement section 403(r) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, except that the Secretary shall issue, not later than December 31, 1993, such a final regulation applicable to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances..[sic]"(2) If the Secretary does not promulgate final regulations under paragraph (1)(B) upon the expiration of 24 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the proposed regulations issued in accordance with paragraph (1)(A) shall be considered as the final regulations upon the expiration of such 24 months, except that the proposed regulations applicable to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances shall not be considered to be final regulations until December 31, 1993. There shall be promptly published in the Federal Register notice of the new status of the proposed regulations [see 57 F.R. 56347]."[For construction of amendment made by section 202(a)(2)(B) of Pub. L. 102-571 to section 3(b) of Pub. L. 101-535 set out above, see section 202(a)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 102-571 set out above following section 2(b) of Pub. L. 101-535.]
LABELING EXEMPTION FOR SINGLE INGREDIENT FOODS AND PRODUCTS Pub. L. 115-334, title XII, §125162516,, 132 Stat. 5000, provided that: "The food labeling requirements under section 403(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343(q)) shall not require that the nutrition facts label of any single-ingredient sugar, honey, agave, or syrup, including maple syrup, that is packaged and offered for sale as a single-ingredient food bear the declaration 'Includes X g Added Sugars.'."
FINDINGS Pub. L. 108-282, title II, §202, Aug. 2, 2004, 118 Stat. 905, provided that: "Congress finds that-"(1) it is estimated that-"(A) approximately 2 percent of adults and about 5 percent of infants and young children in the United States suffer from food allergies; and "(B) each year, roughly 30,000 individuals require emergency room treatment and 150 individuals die because of allergic reactions to food;"(2)(A) eight major foods or food groups-milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans-account for 90 percent of food allergies;"(B) at present, there is no cure for food allergies; and"(C) a food allergic consumer must avoid the food to which the consumer is allergic; "(3)(A) in a review of the foods of randomly selected manufacturers of baked goods, ice cream, and candy in Minnesota and Wisconsin in 1999, the Food and Drug Administration found that 25 percent of sampled foods failed to list peanuts or eggs as ingredients on the food labels; and"(B) nationally, the number of recalls because of unlabeled allergens rose to 121 in 2000 from about 35 a decade earlier;"(4) a recent study shows that many parents of children with a food allergy were unable to correctly identify in each of several food labels the ingredients derived from major food allergens;"(5)(A) ingredients in foods must be listed by their 'common or usual name';"(B) in some cases, the common or usual name of an ingredient may be unfamiliar to consumers, and many consumers may not realize the ingredient is derived from, or contains, a major food allergen; and"(C) in other cases, the ingredients may be declared as a class, including spices, flavorings, and certain colorings, or are exempt from the ingredient labeling requirements, such as incidental additives; and"(6)(A) celiac disease is an immune-mediated disease that causes damage to the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and other organs;"(B) the current recommended treatment is avoidance of glutens in foods that are associated with celiac disease; and"(C) a multicenter, multiyear study estimated that the prevalence of celiac disease in the United States is 0.5 to 1 percent of the general population."
RULEMAKINGS ON LABELING Pub. L. 118-42, div. B, title VII, §745, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 112, provided that:"(a) After the effective date of any final rule the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publishes in connection with its proposed rule to update these requirements (87 Federal Register 59168, issued on September 29, 2022), manufacturers may also continue to comply with the previous requirements promulgated by the FDA for the implied nutrient content claim 'healthy' through the 'compliance date' FDA provides in the final rule."(b) Any food product manufactured and labeled as 'healthy' during the compliance period FDA provides in that final rule shall not be directly or indirectly subject to any state-law requirements that are not identical to either (i) the Federal requirements for the implied nutrition content claim 'healthy' that were in effect as of the date FDA issues the final rule, or (ii) the updated Federal requirements that FDA promulgates in the final rule, assuming the updated requirements go into effect during the regulatory compliance period." Pub. L. 108-282, title II, §206, Aug. 2, 2004, 118 Stat. 910, provided that: "Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 2, 2004], the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with appropriate experts and stakeholders, shall issue a proposed rule to define, and permit use of, the term 'gluten-free' on the labeling of foods. Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule to define, and permit use of, the term 'gluten-free' on the labeling of foods." Pub. L. 107-171, title X, §108090809,, 116 Stat. 531, provided that: "The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the 'Secretary') shall publish a proposed rule and, with due consideration to public comment, a final rule to revise, as appropriate, the current regulation governing the labeling of foods that have been treated to reduce pest infestation or pathogens by treatment by irradiation using radioactive isotope, electronic beam, or x-ray. Pending promulgation of the final rule required by this subsection [probably should be "this section"], any person may petition the Secretary for approval of labeling, which is not false or misleading in any material respect, of a food which has been treated by irradiation using radioactive isotope, electronic beam, or x-ray. The Secretary shall approve or deny such a petition within 180 days of receipt of the petition, or the petition shall be deemed denied, except to the extent additional agency review is mutually agreed upon by the Secretary and the petitioner. Any denial of a petition under this subsection shall constitute final agency action subject to judicial review by the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Any labeling approved through the foregoing petition process shall be subject to the provisions of the final rule referred to in the first sentence of the subparagraph on the effective date of such final rule."
COMMISSION ON DIETARY SUPPLEMENT LABELS Pub. L. 103-417, §12, Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4332, provided that:"(a) ESTABLISHMENT.-There shall be established as an independent agency within the executive branch a commission to be known as the Commission on Dietary Supplement Labels (hereafter in this section referred to as the 'Commission')."(b) MEMBERSHIP.- "(1) COMPOSITION.-The Commission shall be composed of 7 members who shall be appointed by the President."(2) EXPERTISE REQUIREMENT.-The members of the Commission shall consist of individuals with expertise and experience in dietary supplements and in the manufacture, regulation, distribution, and use of such supplements. At least three of the members of the Commission shall be qualified by scientific training and experience to evaluate the benefits to health of the use of dietary supplements and one of such three members shall have experience in pharmacognosy, medical botany, traditional herbal medicine, or other related sciences. Members and staff of the Commission shall be without bias on the issue of dietary supplements."(c) FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION.-The Commission shall conduct a study on, and provide recommendations for, the regulation of label claims and statements for dietary supplements, including the use of literature in connection with the sale of dietary supplements and procedures for the evaluation of such claims. In making such recommendations, the Commission shall evaluate how best to provide truthful, scientifically valid, and not misleading information to consumers so that such consumers may make informed and appropriate health care choices for themselves and their families."(d) ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.-"(1) HEARINGS.-The Commission may hold hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out the purposes of this section."(2) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.-The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this section."(3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section."(e) REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.- "(1) FINAL REPORT REQUIRED.-Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 25, 1994], the Commission shall prepare and submit to the President and to the Congress a final report on the study required by this section."(2) RECOMMENDATIONS.-The report described in paragraph (1) shall contain such recommendations, including recommendations for legislation, as the Commission deems appropriate."(3) ACTION ON RECOMMENDATIONS.-Within 90 days of the issuance of the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of any recommendation of Commission for changes in regulations of the Secretary for the regulation of dietary supplements and shall include in such notice a notice of proposed rulemaking on such changes together with an opportunity to present views on such changes. Such rulemaking shall be completed not later than 2 years after the date of the issuance of such report. If such rulemaking is not completed on or before the expiration of such 2 years, regulations of the Secretary published in 59 FR 395-426 on January 4, 1994, shall not be in effect."
EXTENSION OF COMPLIANCE DEADLINE FOR CERTAIN FOOD PRODUCTS PACKAGED PRIOR TO AUGUST 8, 1994 Pub. L. 103-261, 108 Stat. 705, provided: "That before August 8, 1994, sections 403(q) and 403(r)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(q), (r)(2)] and the provision of section 403(i) of such Act added by section 7(2) of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101-535], shall not apply with respect to a food product which is contained in a package for which the label was printed before May 8, 1994 (or before August 8, 1994, in the case of a juice or milk food product if the person responsible for the labeling of such food product exercised due diligence in obtaining before such date labels which are in compliance with such sections 403(q) and 403(r)(2) and such provision of section 403(i)), if, before June 15, 1994, the person who introduces or delivers for introduction such food product into interstate commerce submits to the Secretary of Health and Human Services a certification that such person will comply with this section and will comply with such sections 403(q) and 403(r)(2) and such provision of section 403(i) after August 8, 1994."
LIMITATIONS ON APPLICATION OF SMALL BUSINESS EXEMPTION Pub. L. 103-80, §2(a), Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 773, provided that:"(1) BEFORE MAY 8, 1995.-Before May 8, 1995, the exemption provided by section 403(q)(5)(D) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 343(q)(5)(D)] shall be available in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services published at 21 C.F.R. 101.9(j)(1)(i) (1993)."(2) AFTER MAY 8, 1995.-After May 8, 1995, the exemption provided by section 403(q)(5)(D) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act shall only be available with respect to food when it is sold to consumers."
PROHIBITION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF PUB. L. 101-535 WITH RESPECT TO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS Pub. L. 102-571, title II, §202(a)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4500, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in subsection (b) [set out as a note below] and in the amendment made by paragraph (2)(A) [amending provisions set out as notes above], the Secretary of Health and Human Services may not implement the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-535; 104 Stat. 2353) [see Short Title of 1990 Amendments note set out under section 301 of this title], or any amendment made by such Act, earlier than December 15, 1993, with respect to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances."
HEALTH CLAIMS MADE WITH RESPECT TO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS Pub. L. 102-571, title II, §202(b), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4501, provided that: "Notwithstanding section 403(r)(5)(D) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343(r)(5)(D)) and subsection (a) [enacting provisions set out as notes above and amending provisions set out as notes above and under section 343-1 of this title], the Secretary of Health and Human Services may, earlier than December 15, 1993, approve claims made with respect to dietary supplements of vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other similar nutritional substances that are claims described in clauses (vi) and (x) of section 3(b)(1)(A) of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 [Pub. L. 101-535] (21 U.S.C. 343 note)."
UNITED STATES RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCES OF VITAMINS OR MINERALS Pub. L. 102-571, title II, §203, Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4502, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of Federal law, no regulations that require the use of, or are based upon, recommended daily allowances of vitamins or minerals may be promulgated before November 8, 1993 (other than regulations establishing the United States recommended daily allowances specified at section 101.9(c)(7)(iv) of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on October 6, 1992, or regulations under section 403(r)(1)(A) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343(r)(1)(A)) that are based on such recommended daily allowances)."
CONSUMER EDUCATION Pub. L. 101-535, §2(c), Nov. 8, 1990, 104 Stat. 2357, provided that: "The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall carry out activities which educate consumers about-"(1) the availability of nutrition information in the label or labeling of food, and"(2) the importance of that information in maintaining healthy dietary practices."
STUDIES CONCERNING CARCINOGENIC AND OTHER TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN FOOD AND IMPURITIES IN AND TOXICITY OF SACCHARIN Pub. L. 95-203, §2, Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1451, directed Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a study concerning carcinogenic and other toxic substances in food and impurities in and toxicity of saccharin and make a report respecting the carcinogenic and other substances to Committee on Human Resources of the Senate within 12 months of Nov. 23, 1977, and a report respecting saccharin to such committee within 15 months of Nov. 23, 1977.
REPORT TO CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES RESPECTING ACTION TAKEN PURSUANT TO FORMER PAR. (O)(2)Pub. L. 95-203, §4(a)(3), Nov. 23, 1977, 91 Stat. 1453, provided that the Secretary was to report to specified congressional committees any action taken under former par. (o)(2) of this section.
STATE OR TERRITORIAL REQUIREMENTSPub. L. 86-537, §2, June 29, 1960, 74 Stat. 251, provided that: "Nothing in the amendments made by the first section of this Act [amending this section] shall affect any requirement of the laws of any State or Territory."
EXECUTIVE DOCUMENTS
TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONSFor transfer of functions of Federal Security Administrator to Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare [now Health and Human Services], and of Food and Drug Administration in the Department of Agriculture to Federal Security Agency, see notes set out under section 321 of this title.