Yogurt Standard of Identity Updated to Allow for Technological Advancements

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a final rule amending the acceptable qualities of food labeled as yogurt. Under the rule, the standards of identity for lowfat and nonfat yogurt will be combined with the general definition; in addition, the list of allowable ingredients has expanded to include additional substances such as agave. “Additionally, the final rule supports the many innovations that have already been made in the yogurt marketplace, including continuing to allow manufacturers to fortify yogurts, such as adding vitamins A and D, as long as they meet fortification requirements,” according to the constituent update. “The rule also allows various styles or textures of yogurt as long as they meet requirements in the standard of identity.”