FDA Requests Information on Flavored Dessert Spreads

The U.S FDA announced a request for information (RFI) to invite comments, data and other information on the appropriate reference amount customarily consumed (RACC) and product category for flavored nut butter spreads (e.g., cocoa, cookie- and coffee-flavored), as well as products that can be used to fill cupcakes and other desserts.

The FDA is taking this action in part because it recently issued a final rule updating certain RACCs. The agency has also received a citizen petition asking that it either issue guidance recognizing that “nut cocoa-based spreads” fall within the “honey, jams, jellies, fruit butter, molasses” category for the purposes of RACC determination, or amend the current regulation relating to RACCs to establish a new RACC category for “nut cocoa-based spreads” with a RACC of 1 tablespoon. The RFI represents the first step in our evaluation of the appropriate RACC and product category for “nut cocoa-based spreads.”

The RFI represents the first step in the evaluation of the appropriate RACC and product category for products used as a filling for cupcakes and other desserts. The comment period will open on November 2, 2016.