Words can change meaning over time, and the transient nature of definitions is becoming a significant issue in the food world.
In this age of consumer demand for products meeting new and emerging values, the regulatory agencies responsible for maintaining standard of identity definitions will need help resolving these vocabulary challenges.
As the purpose of the standard of identity is “to promote honesty and fair dealing for the benefit of consumers,” food retailers – who operate closest to the consumer – must be an active voice in this conversation, helping discern whether a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
– Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, Food Marketing Institute