Regulation of food and dietary supplements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration whether it is to be regulated as a food or as a drug, based on the claims that the manufacturer or seller makes about its properties. The FDA is authorized to issue a standard of identity for any food. This is a description of what, exactly, must be in that food in order for it to be identified under a certain name. For example, a court has upheld an FDA ruling that for a product to be sold as cream cheese, it must contain a specified minimum percentage of milk fat, and a maximum level of moisture. Incorrectly identifying a
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act specific type of nut, fish, or shellfish must be listed (e.g. walnut, catfish, blue crab) Even minute amounts, such as coloring or spices, must be listed if they contain any proteins from these major allergens. Manufacturers are given two ways in which to label food allergens. They may either state the food source name of a major food allergen in the list of ingredients, most often contained within parenthesis. (e.g. Casein (milk)) or they could instead use the word "contains" in the label, such as "contains peanuts." They can choose either method, as long as it is clearly written. If