FDA Proposed New Food Labeling

A proposal by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to significantly revise nutrition labels for the first time in 20 years, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (“Food Labels Set for New Look,” Feb. 27, 2014). In a story by Thomas M. Burton and Annie Gasparro, it was reported that the Obama administration is looking for food labels to have larger-font calorie counts and more realistic portion sizes so that consumers can more easily understand unhealthy ingredients in packaged foods. The new labels also would include a line for “added sugars.” For example, ice cream lists on the label the number of calories for a half cup, when a full cup is probably considered a more normal serving size. The changes, however, are not expected to take effect for two years. The proposal is undergoing a 90-day comment period now and some push back is expected from food companies, particularly ice cream, soda and dessert makers, who may take issue with some of the new requirements. To learn more, visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm
For the FDA’s Question-and-Answer page on the new labeling, go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm#QA
To learn more about the proposed changes and to submit a formal comment, go to the FDA’s website at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/03/03/2014-04387/food-labeling-revision-of-the-nutrition-and-supplement-facts-labels