FDA Compliance: The Standard of Identity - SOI

In America, it is the FDA regulations that determine when certain names can be used on labels to define certain food products. In other words, I can call a food specialty by a certain name only if that food specialty fits within the definition and parameters set by FDA regulations. For example, in America, FDA regulations prohibit calling plant-based beverages like oat, rice, almond, etc., milk. Only the product of cow milking can be called milk [if it is the product of goat milking, I cannot use just the word milk but must specify goat]. It is important to note that there is not a Statement of Identity for every food product.

Comments and requests for changes to existing FDA regulations, as well as requests to introduce new regulations, can be made through what are known as Citizens Petitions. At this moment, in particular, the FDA is reviewing requests to determine the definition of olive oil, virgin olive oil, and extra virgin olive oil. Essentially, the FDA is about to create a specific Statement of Identity for the various types of oil. Only if the oil in question meets the parameters established by FDA regulations can it use the label name Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for example.