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FDA REVOKES 52 OUTDATED FOOD STANDARDS TO
PROMOTE INNOVATION AND TRANSPARENCY
Washington D.C., (July 17, 2025) - Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) unveiled a comprehensive regulatory initiative to revoke 52 outdated “Standards of Identity” (SOIs) for various food products. These SOIs—which date back decades—impose minimum requirements that are no longer relevant, given modern food production, labeling, and consumer safety protocols.
“Antiquated food standards are no longer serving to protect consumers,” stated FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Revoking them will foster innovation, promote healthier choices, and allow the FDA to focus on regulations that truly matter.”
Key Actions Underway:
Direct Final Rule – Canned Fruits & Vegetables (11 Revoked SOIs):
This includes seven standards for saccharin-sweetened fruits that are no longer found in U.S. grocery stores. A companion proposed rule will ensure continuity in case of significant public feedback.
Proposed Rule – Dairy Products (18 Revoked SOIs):
Targets outdated regulations governing certain milk, cream, cheese, and frozen dessert products.
Proposed Rule – Other Products (23 Revoked SOIs):
Covers bakery goods, macaroni/noodles, canned fruit juices, fish and shellfish, and various dressings and flavorings.
Why Now:
Many of these SOIs predate essential consumer protections like modern ingredient safety standards, nutrition labeling, allergen warnings, and good manufacturing practices. The elimination of antiquated standards supports broader federal efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and drive transparency, which was a priority underscored by last year’s Executive Order on Deregulation.
Broader SOI Modernization Effort
This initiative complements existing FDA efforts to modernize SOIs. Earlier in 2025, revisions enabled the use of ultrafiltered milk in cheese production. The SOI for French dressing was removed in 2022 to reflect consumer expectations. The status of ingredients like canned tuna, cherry pie, salt substitutes, and yogurt are currently under review.
By revoking outdated standards, the FDA aims to strike a balance: preserving the integrity of “standardized foods” while encouraging flexibility, competition, and healthier product innovation.
What This Means for Stakeholders:
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Food Manufacturers: Gain flexibility to innovate recipes and formulations beyond rigid old standards.
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Consumers: Will benefit from a wider array of product choices and clear labeling, reflecting modern ingredients and production methods.
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FDA: Can better allocate resources toward active food safety oversight, away from obsolete requirements.
Next Steps
- Immediate Implementation: The direct final rule on canned goods takes effect soon, barring major public objections.
- Comment Period: Stakeholders can comment on proposed rules for dairy and other foods once published in the Federal Register.
- Ongoing Review: FDA continues to evaluate and update SOIs across product categories—maintaining consumer safety while driving innovation.
Stay Tuned - we'll notify our Label Alert subscribers as soon as new information is available, and plan to address this and other breaking regulatory developments at our virtual Food Label Seminars Oct 22-24!
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