US to revamp Nutrition Fact labels for packaged foods

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has outlined a proposal to revamp Nutrition Fact labels on packaged food products, in line with efforts to combat chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease.

The proposed format, designed to reflect the latest scientific information on the link between diet and chronic diseases, would replace outdated serving sizes and its new design would highlight key information such as calories and serving sizes.

The Nutrition Facts label has been required on food packages for the past two decades to allow consumers to better understand the nutritional value of foods to make healthy choices.

Since 2006, information on trans fat has had to be declared on the label, prompting many producers to reduce partially hydrogenated oils in their products; since then, there have been no significant changes in the label, the agency noted.

Under the latest proposal, manufacturers would be required to list the amount of added sugars, potassium and vitamin D in the product, and update serving size requirements to reflect the amount that people currently eat.

In addition, the agency would require companies to add dual column labels featuring ‘per serving’ and ‘per package’ calorie and nutrition information on larger packages.

Revised daily values for various nutrients such as sodium, dietary fibre and vitamin D would also be added, while the ‘Calories from Fat’ information would be removed.

All packaged foods would be affected by the overhaul, with exceptions for certain meat, poultry and processed egg products, which are regulated by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Input and comments from a wide range of stakeholders have been considered, the agency noted, adding that it is accepting public comment on the proposed changes for 90 days.

FDA’s foods and veterinary medicine deputy commissioner Michael R Taylor said, "By revamping the Nutrition Facts label, FDA wants to make it easier than ever for consumers to make better informed food choices that will support a healthy diet."

First Lady Michelle Obama said, "Our guiding principle here is very simple: that you as a parent and a consumer should be able to walk into your local grocery store, pick up an item off the shelf, and be able to tell whether it’s good for your family.

"So this is a big deal, and it’s going to make a big difference for families all across this country."

The FDA, meanwhile, intends to make corresponding updates to the Supplement Facts label on dietary supplements wherever applicable.

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Image: The new Nutrition Fact label proposed by the FDA for food packages. Photo courtesy of the US Food and Drug Administration.