The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is revoking 80-year-old “standards of identity” for 52 food products—including frozen cherry pie and artificially sweetened jelly—as part of a broader effort to modernize food production.
Flexibility in Food Manufacturing
These old standards, introduced in 1939, defined ingredients and manufacturing methods for a variety of food products like canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, baked goods, and dairy. Originally put in place to prevent deceptive practices, they are now seen as outdated barriers to innovation.
The FDA’s overhaul, announced July 19, renders these standards “obsolete and unnecessary”. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr said they “no longer serve the interests of American families.” Their removal aims to give manufacturers more flexibility to reformulate products and introduce new ingredients while maintaining safety.
Sugar Shortage
This regulatory change comes as the U.S. faces a growing sugar supply shortage. A sharp decline in sugar output from Mexico—America’s top foreign supplier—combined with domestic production issues, tariffs, and extreme weather, has driven prices up.
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. sugar demand now outpaces supply, with some food manufacturers already changing their formulations.
Relief for U.S. Food Manufacturers
The FDA said that scrapping the old rules will help reduce regulatory burdens and offer manufacturers greater leeway to adapt to ingredient shortages, including sugar.
While the FDA didn’t directly link its decision to the current sugar crisis, the timing could help producers develop new products and find creative workarounds—like using alternative sweeteners—while staying compliant.
