USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a final rule that amends nutritional labeling regulations.  The final rule will permit nutrient content claims on the labeling of multi-serve "meal-type" meat and poultry products.  Previously, FSIS only allowed nutrient content claims on single-serve meat and poultry products.

The final rule adopts the definitions of "meal-type" and "main-dish" products used by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  As a result, nutrient content claims will be based on 100 grams of product instead of the serving size.

The amended nutrition labeling regulations will provide consumers with consistent nutrient content claim information as well as additional tools and guidance for selecting foods that meet their dietary needs.  This will allow consumers to make valid comparisons among food product categories.

FSIS now will define "meal-type" and "main-dish" products as containing not less than three 40-gram portions of food from at least two of the four food groups, such as bread, fruit, meats and milk.  "Meal-type" products must weigh at least 10 ounces per serving. "Main-dish" products must weigh at least 6 ounces per serving.  The final rule will take effect on November 30, 2004.  Copies of the petition and supporting documentation are available from the FSIS Docket Clerk, #00-046F, USDA-FSIS, Room 102 Cotton Annex, 300 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700.