FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Labeling Plant-Based Foods: What Brands Need to Know

The FDA has released draft guidance aimed at improving transparency in the labeling of plant-based alternatives to animal-derived foods. The recommendations cover plant-based substitutes for eggs, seafood, poultry, meat, and dairy products, emphasizing the importance of clear statements of identity that include the plant source of the product. The guidance also addresses the use of modified spellings and common terms, advising brands to pair creative names with clear descriptions of the plant-based ingredients to avoid confusion.

While the document is non-binding, it provides plant-based brands with a preview of best practices for labeling and a potential roadmap for future regulations. Brands that align with these recommendations could benefit from demonstrating transparency and consumer focus, as clearer labeling can help avoid regulatory scrutiny. The FDA will continue to evaluate labels on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing the need for labels to be truthful, non-misleading, and accurately describe the food.