Overview
Before using an item in a formula, review the item's information to make sure the data needed for nutrition calculations and ingredient labeling is complete and accurate.
Several fields in an item can affect how the item is represented in a formula and on generated labels, including its labeling name, sugar classification, nutrient values, and allergen information.
Access an Item
Step 1: Go to the Items tab.
Step 2: Search for and select the item you want to configure.
Configure General Information
From the item's Overview, open General Information.
Labeling Name
The Labeling Name is the name used for the item when it appears in the ingredient list.
Enter the name that should be used to declare the item on the finished product's ingredient statement. Use a common name that is appropriate for the product and market where it will be sold.
For example, an item named Raspberry Lemonade Flavor may have a different Labeling Name depending on the item's composition and the labeling requirements for the intended market.
Important: The Labeling Name does not necessarily need to match the item's Name. Consult your applicable labeling requirements when determining the appropriate ingredient declaration.
Is a Sugar Item
Select Is a sugar item when the item should be identified as a sugar for ingredient-statement purposes.
For products sold in Canada or Mexico, sugar items are grouped together in the ingredient statement. Selecting this option tells Formula Management that the item should be included with other sugar ingredients when the ingredient statement is generated.
Configure Nutrition & Composition Information
From the item's Data Sheet, open Nutrition & Compositions.
Nutrition Amounts
Enter the Nutrition Amounts basis used to report the item's nutrient values.
A value of 100 g is commonly used as the basis for nutrient data.
The nutrition amount establishes the gram weight associated with the nutrient values entered for the item.
Protein Digestibility
Enter the item's Protein Digestibility value when applicable.
This value can be used with the PDCAAS Calculator to determine the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) used for applicable nutrition labeling.
Specific Gravity
Enter the item's Specific Gravity when it is needed to convert between weight-based and volume-based units of measure.
For more information, see Specific Gravity.
Nutrients
Enter the nutrient values available for the item.
These values are used to calculate the nutrient composition when the item is added to a formula. Provide as much complete and accurate nutrient information as possible.
Important: Formula Management does not automatically convert between certain nutrient fields on this page. If the product will be sold in markets with different nutrient requirements, enter the applicable values for each field.
For example, if an item will be used in products sold in both the United States and United Kingdom, you may need to enter both Total Carbohydrates and Available Carbohydrates.
Configure Allergens and Sensitivities
From the item's Data Sheet, open Allergens and Sensitivities.
Enter all allergens and sensitivities that apply to the item.
Allergens
Identify any allergen present in the item. When applicable, select the specific species or variety associated with the allergen.
Complete allergen information helps ensure that allergen declarations can be accurately reflected in finished-product labeling.
Cross-Contamination
If the item has a known or potential risk of allergen cross-contamination, record that information in the applicable field.
Review supplier documentation and other available information when determining whether an allergen or cross-contamination risk applies to the item.
Important: Keep allergen information current and review it whenever the item's formulation, supplier information, or applicable labeling requirements change.