More than 20 years after a petition was filed by the National Yogurt Association, and more than a decade after a proposed rule, the FDA has moved to modernize the standards of identity applicable to yogurt. 

Earlier this month, the FDA issued a final rule updating the standard of identity for yogurt and revoking standards of identity for lowfat and nonfat yogurt.

The rule amends the standard of identity for yogurt in multiple respects. Specifically, it permits reconstituted forms of basic dairy ingredients; permits the use of optional safe and suitable milk-derived ingredients; establishes functional classes of such ingredients as cultures, flavoring, color additives, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and preservatives; permits the optional labeling statement “contains live and active cultures”; and requires the statement “does not contain live and active cultures” on labels for yogurts treated to inactive viable microorganisms.

The final rule moves lowfat and nonfat yogurt under the general definition and standard of identity for foods that deviate from other standardized foods due to compliance with a nutrient content claim. 

The final rule will be effective July 12, 2021, with a compliance date of January 1, 2024.

Read the final rule here.