FDA Issues Proposed Rule on Canned Tuna Standards
Constituent Update
August 24, 2023
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a proposed rule to revise the standard of identity and standard of fill of container for canned tuna. If finalized, the proposed rule would, among other things:
- Revise the weighing methods used to determine the standard fill of container;
- Allow the use of safe and suitable flavorings and spices as optional ingredients; and
- Clarify that the use of a packing medium is optional
The proposed rule responds, in part, to a citizen petition submitted by Bumble Bee Foods, LLC, StarKist Co., and Tri Union Seafoods, LLC (dba Chicken of the Sea International).
Standards of identity and fill of container were established for canned tuna in 1957. Although the standards have been amended several times, certain requirements appear to be outdated.
Standards of identity set requirements related to the content and production of certain food products. The FDA 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.
The FDA began establishing standards of identity around 1938 to promote honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers, and since this time, has established more than 250 standards for a wide variety of food products.
To Submit Comments:
Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted within 90 days after publication in the Federal Register. You may submit electronic comments to https://www.regulations.gov/ to docket number FDA-2016-P-0147.
All written comments should be identified with the docket number FDA-2016-P-0147 and with the title “Fish and Shellfish; Canned Tuna Standard of Identity and Standard of Fill of Container.”
Additional Information
- Proposed Rule: Fish and Shellfish; Canned Tuna Standard of Identity and Standard of Fill of Container
- Food Labeling & Nutrition
- Standards of Identity for Food