FDA Closer To Finalizing Updated Standards For Canned Tuna

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the requirements for the standard for canned tuna identity and filling of containers. This regulation will modernize and update food standards for the products in several technical ways, such as moving from the pressed cake method to the drained weight approach. Other changes may include removing provisions for specific flavorings and spices and revising the upper and lower levels of vegetable extracts in cans. The final rule is expected to be announced in October.

The change to canned tuna standards was in response to a citizen petition submitted by Bumble Bee Foods, StarKist, and Chicken of the Sea International. Standards for the identity and filling of containers of canned tuna were established in 1957. Although the regulation was amended several times, certain requirements are outdated, stated the FDA in 2023.