U.S. FDA Amends the Standard for Yogurt

On December 15, 2022, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled Doc. 2022-27040, revising the standard about claims, Vitamin D dosage and milkfat content of yogurt. The amendment will come into force 30 days after its announcement. The transition period will be until January 1, 2024.

Major revision:

1. Claims

Yogurt with modified milkfat and fat-containing flavoring ingredients can use the claim of nutrient content or terms related to the nature of flavoring agents before "yogurt".

2. Vitamin D level

The previous provision required a yogurt with added vitamin D to contain at least 25% Daily Value (DV) vitamin D per Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC). Now, the minimum vitamin D level is modified from 25% to 10% DV per RACC. This level equates to a minimum of 2 mcg per RACC. Besides, it shall be within the limits of current good manufacturing practices.

3. Milkfat content

Yogurt may contain at least 2.44% and less than 3.25% milkfat. If the milkfat content is below 2.44%, the product is considered a modified food.

In addition, yogurt with at least 2.44% and less than 3.25% milkfat must be labeled with the statement "__ % milkfat" (the blank being filled in with the nearest half percent to the actual milkfat content of the product). The font size of this statement must not be less than 1/8 inch in height.

Notably, enterprises shall also be aware that the U.S. stopped the following implementation on March 22, 2022.

Before the addition of bulky flavoring ingredients, yogurt shall contain not less than 3.25% milkfat, and have either a titratable acidity of not less than 0.7%, expressed as lactic acid, or a pH of 4.6 or lower.
Adding pasteurized cream after culturing.
Excluding the ultrafiltered milk from the basic dairy Ingredients.
Banning the use of carbohydrate sweeteners in yogurt.
Food contains vitamin D (if added) must not contain less than 25% DV per RACC, and within the limits of current good manufacturing practices. (amended on December 15, 2022)