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Changes to chocolate
Apr. 24th, 2007 09:08 amThe FDA is considering a proposal that could in some cases dramatically expand the definitions of numerous FDA-regulated foods. The proposal itself does not address specific foods. Instead, it proposes across-the-board expansions to ingredients in regulated foods based on existing ingredients allowed.
The proposal would affect chocolate. For example, one of the proposed changes is "Where a standard allows for the addition of a particular vegetable fat or oil, the use of any safe and suitable vegetable fat or oil would be allowed." (See page 19.) The impact on chocolate from this would be to permit chocolate manufacturers to use any vegetable oil or fat to replace cocoa butter, because the current definition of chocolate permits the addition of cocoa butter. However, the existing definition of chocolate does not permit the addition of any other vegetable oil; such addition is covered in a separate definition. (I've used milk chocolate for both examples.)
The backers of the proposal include the Chocolate Manufacturers of America and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. The proposal, while not saying it in so many words, is an attempt by the various backers to reduce their costs by changing the rules to allow cheaper ingredients in places where they could not currently be used. The likelihood of these cost reductions being passed to the consumer is miniscule. The changes also provide no appreciable consumer benefit, and can provide a great deal of confusion. But they will make more money for companies!
However, one member of the CMA, Guittard, is strongly opposed to the proposal, and has put together a web site, Don't Mess With Our Chocolate to explain the potential issues and to help people submit comments to the FDA on the proposed changes.
I've already made my comment; I encourage you to do the same.
EDIT: Note that this does not apply only to chocolate! The proposed change would alter nearly every regulated food, to the benefit of the manufacturers and the detriment of everyone else.
The proposal would affect chocolate. For example, one of the proposed changes is "Where a standard allows for the addition of a particular vegetable fat or oil, the use of any safe and suitable vegetable fat or oil would be allowed." (See page 19.) The impact on chocolate from this would be to permit chocolate manufacturers to use any vegetable oil or fat to replace cocoa butter, because the current definition of chocolate permits the addition of cocoa butter. However, the existing definition of chocolate does not permit the addition of any other vegetable oil; such addition is covered in a separate definition. (I've used milk chocolate for both examples.)
The backers of the proposal include the Chocolate Manufacturers of America and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. The proposal, while not saying it in so many words, is an attempt by the various backers to reduce their costs by changing the rules to allow cheaper ingredients in places where they could not currently be used. The likelihood of these cost reductions being passed to the consumer is miniscule. The changes also provide no appreciable consumer benefit, and can provide a great deal of confusion. But they will make more money for companies!
However, one member of the CMA, Guittard, is strongly opposed to the proposal, and has put together a web site, Don't Mess With Our Chocolate to explain the potential issues and to help people submit comments to the FDA on the proposed changes.
I've already made my comment; I encourage you to do the same.
EDIT: Note that this does not apply only to chocolate! The proposed change would alter nearly every regulated food, to the benefit of the manufacturers and the detriment of everyone else.
