The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing a new change to nutritional factsrequirements. They want certain key information to appear on the front of packages.
Why?
To better inform the consumer.
The thought process is to help consumers see, “at-a-glance information to help consumers quickly and easily identify how foods can be a part of a healthy diet.”
Here’s what we know about the proposed nutritional facts label change, and what the information means.
The proposed changes to the nutritional facts label will require food manufacturers to put certain information on the front of the package. As opposed to the back of the package – the current requirement.
While many consumers check the back of the package for this, and other information like ingredients and declared allergens, certain information will be more visible.
What’s on the proposed front label?
In addition to the amounts, food manufactures will likely be required to include the percent of daily values those amounts represent.
This change does not take away the existing nutritional facts label mandate. It only adds the additional requirements for certain information to a front of package label.
How did the FDA decide on these three values?
According to the proposal, those categories were selected because, “current federal dietary recommendations advise U.S. consumers to limit these three nutrients to achieve a nutrient-dense diet within calorie limits.”
One of the leading causes of death and disability in the country involves diet-related chronic diseases. Research shows that healthy eating patterns associated with improved health involve eating foods lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Eating foods will lower amounts of these three key categories may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers.
The FDA believes that “providing informative and accessible food labeling empowers consumers to make informed choices.”
In addition to literature review and a peer-reviewed experimental study, the FDA conducted two sets of focus group testing to observe consumer reaction to the proposed labels.
One group helped shape what the label may look like.
The second group observed how consumers interpreted the labels.
All data showed that including certain nutritional facts information on the front of the package made it easier for the consumer to see and interpret.
Saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars are the front runners for the proposed label change. But it may surprise consumers that certain nutritional facts were not included in the proposed label.
Namely, calories.
While a manufacturer could still voluntarily include a calorie statement on the front of their food package (an option under existing FDA regulations), it isn’t necessary.
In a society so focused on carbs, Carbohydrates are also not included in the proposed label.
Consumers will still find those categories on the back nutritional facts label since that requirement isn’t changing.
In addition to the values, certain context information is also required. In addition to the information, this content will help consumers interpret what those mean?
Let’s take a look at the label.
picture courtesy of FDA
The proposed label will include the serving size.
Some people joke that they didn’t realize they were “a family of four,” or that the serving size of chips makes them angry.
Me too. I am apparently “some people.”
Knowing what those values truly describe is helpful.
If you eat two servings in one meal, multiply those numbers by 2.
But contrary to some opinions, a serving size is an indicator for the nutritional facts and not a recommendation of how much to eat. If you only eat half a serving, those nutritional facts are cut in half.
As mentioned above, the key nutrients deemed more important to limit are included on the nutritional facts label. Saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Most people recognize what the percent daily value represents. But how closely do we pay attention to it. This is the primary reason for the proposed nutritional facts label change.
In addition to the percentages we already see on the package, context indicators will be included to the right of the %DV. A rating of “Low,” “Med,” or “High” is assigned at the right of the value.
If the proposed nutritional facts label change is accepted, how soon could we see these changes in grocery stores, convenience stores, and wherever we buy food?
The FDA breaks down the compliance deadline with two effective dates, depending on amount of annual food sales.
Businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales will have three years to update their packaging. Those with less than $10 million in annual sales will be given an additional year to become compliant.
Believe it or not, this proposal is open to public comment. You can actually contribute to the process.
Want to share your opinion on the subject?
Navigate your browser to https://www.regulations.gov to use their electronic filing system. Or submit written comments to Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Include docket number FDA-2024-N-2910 for “Food Labeling: Front-of-Package Nutrition Information in your letter.
Comment submissions are open until 11:59pm Easter Time on May 16, 2025.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “FDA Wants Certain Nutritional Facts on the Front of Packages. Here’s Why!,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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