At the end of February, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed a highly anticipated proposition to tweak the format of food nutrition labels. According to the government agency, the makeover is needed to help Americans make healthier eating choices. Moreover, experts point out that the change of focus on the new labels might significantly affect the quality of packaged food for the better.
Once the changes are finalized, manufacturers will have up to two years to comply with the new regulations. As of now, however, the government is granting a 90-day period for public discussion. The changes are yet to be voted on and implemented.
Let’s look at the major changes, and see why the FDA thinks they’re necessary.
The Reasons Behind the FDA’s Decision
The FDA first implemented the Nutrition Facts label in 1993, and it hasn’t been updated since then. While the label requirements haven’t changed, the American diet has – it’s definitely not what it was 20 years ago.
Americans today are eating bigger portions, and the nation’s rates of obesity are skyrocketing. Heart disease and stroke levels are following the same trend.
Research in recent years clearly indicates the connection between fatty and sugary foods and the risk of chronic diseases. By mandating better transparency of food’s nutritional value, the FDA hopes to help Americans make more informed and healthy food choices on a daily basis.
The Proposed Changes
Proposed Label
#1. Serving size is the first piece of information the FDA is trying to change. Visually, it is the first thing that pops out at you when you look at a label. The number of servings in a package will be emphasized even more by using a larger and bolder font. And since Americans today are eating more in a single sitting, the FDA believes the measurement of the serving size should be adjusted to reflect current trends.
The FDA suggests one serving should be 400 calories, instead of the traditional 200 calories. The agency says: “By law, the label information on serving sizes must be based on what people actually eat, not on what they ‘should’ be eating.”
#2. The calorie number should also emphasized with a larger and bolder print. It’s a well-known fact that calorie counting is the first major step toward weight control. With the new labels, the number stands out, and the consumer won’t have the time to search for it.
Current Label
#3. “Added sugars” category will be included for the first time. Studies show that on average 16% of daily calorie intake comes from refined sugars, which are added during food manufacturing. The FDA hopes that including the sub-category on the label will encourage Americans to pay more attention to their daily sugar consumption and lower their risk of heart attack.
#4. Updated Supplements Fact label, including new Daily Values and units of measure, is the 4th big change. In that respect, the private label supplements industry should pay attention. The proposed rule will modify the labeling requirements regarding dietary supplements stipulated in 21 CFR 101.36.
- Vitamin D and potassium percentages will now be included. According to the FDA, a large number of Americans are deficient in those elements and need to increase their daily intake.
- Vitamins A and Vitamin C can be listed, but they’re no longer mandatory.
- Calcium and Iron are still required to be listed.
- Daily values for Sodium, dietary fiber, and Vitamin D will be updated in the Percent Daily Values section. This information, the FDA says, will help consumers get better oriented to how much a particular food contributes to the daily recommendation for key nutrients.
- The percentage of actual minerals and vitamins will now be visible on the label.
#5. Fat: “Total Fat,” “Saturated Fat,” and “Trans Fat” indexes will remain. The label will omit, thought, “Calories from Fat.” To support this decision, the FDA cites research findings, which show that the kind of fat consumed is more important for the prevention or managing of chronic diseases that the fat amount.
#6. Package size. The FDA is also introducing label changes that will better correspond with consumers’ drinking and eating habits. Often, people will finish a 12-oz or a 20-oz beverage in one sitting. The agency proposes that both of these sizes be listed as a single serving. That way the label will show nutrition facts for the content of the entire bottle.
The same rule will apply for solid packaged foods. In case the package is too large to be consumed all in one sitting, the FDA suggests including two nutrition panels to reflect both the single serving and multiple servings information.
#7. All imported foods to the U.S. will be subjected to the Nutrition Facts label changes.
The Reactions
Long-standing evidence suggests that excessive sugar consumption leads to increased risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions. The FDA has hinted at the fact that some manufacturers might still object to the addition of the “Added Sugar” category to the label.
However, the agency is confident that the scientific research is convincing enough that information should be available for everyone to read.
The proposed label overhaul also envisions revisions in the daily values for sodium. The Center for Science in the Public Interest said this is “a step in the right direction,” considering the link between excessive salt consumption and heart disease.
More moderate in its statement issued to the media, was the Grocery Manufacturers’ Association: “It is critical that any changes are based on the most current and reliable science. Equally as important is ensuring that any changes ultimately serve to inform, and not confuse, consumers.”
Conclusion
If there is something that all sides agree on, it’s that the label makeover will be an expensive and somewhat slow process. Manufacturers will have to adjust their products to limit high amounts of certain health-compromising ingredients.
Since FDA is allowing a 90-day period for public comments and suggestions, do you have any ideas regarding what needs to be included on the food labels and why?
What do you think? Do you agree that in the long run, the proposed changes will really reduce obesity in the States? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!
All my best,
Stefani Thionnet
Stay focused and never give up!
