FDA Bans Some Omega-3 Content Claims on Food Labels

The Food and Drug Administration on April 28 banned some nutrient content claims in food labeling for certain omega-3 fatty acids. FDA’s final rule prohibits statements on labels that a food is “high in,” “rich in” or an “excellent source of” the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It also restricts similar claims for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), but doesn’t go as far as to ban all ALA content claims. The final rule takes effect Jan. 1, 2016.