Nutrition label changes coming soon
February 28 2014
After more than 20 years since the original labeling law went into effect, the FDA is working on revamping nutrition labels on packaged foods.
Please note that it could take 2-4 years before these changes are actually implemented. The FDA is now allowing the public (and corporations) to comment for 90 days. Manufacturers will have a 2-3 year grace period to change their labels.
Here are some of the highlights of the proposed nutrition label changes proposed by the FDA.
1. New easier to read layout.
2. Focus on Calories. Americans need to reduce their calorie intake. By making calorie information much larger, it will be easier to spot on the nutrition label.
3. Real serving sizes. For years we’ve known that the suggested serving sizes are not realistic. For the new labels, the FDA is overhauling its definition of standard servings for tens of product categories. The serving size has an immediate effect on all other numbers on the nutrition panel, because they are all calculated per serving.
4. Serving size depends on package size. Many food and beverage items come in a single serve package, yet claim to contain 2 or more servings. The FDA won’t have any more of that. If you’re a 20 ounce bottle of Cola being dispensed in a vending machine, you are one serving. Of course, the calorie value will reflect that. Instead of consumers seeing just 80 calories per serving (of 8 ounces), they will now see 200 calories (for 20 ounces).
5. Two columns of data. For packages that may be consumed as a single portion or as several servings, two sets of information must be presented.
6. Getting rid of “calories from fat”. As we all know, fat is not evil. We need good fats. Counting calories from fat is not the right way to count calories.
7. Show added sugars. This is a great addition, and one that food companies will furiously try to repeal. Americans consume 16% of their calories from added sugars. The most current recommendation is that only 5-15% of calories come from added sugars AND solid fats. Obviously America needs help separating natural occurring sugars (fruit, yogurt) from added sugar. You’d be surprised how much sugar is added to bread, pasta sauce, and other foods. The challenge will be implementing this correctly. Manufacturers may start to use fruit purees instead of table sugar to avoid labeling added sugar, despite the fact that they are identical from a nutrient perspective.
8. Mandated Vitamin D and Potassium information. Currently these two nutrients do not have to be listed on the nutrition facts panel. But Americans are woefully deficient in both. Vitamin D helps build stronger bones (along with calcium). Potassium has multiple roles, among them regulating mineral and liquid balance in the body, reducing blood pressure spikes from excess sodium, and helping muscles contract. Expect more foods to be fortified with vitamin D.
9. Optional Vitamin A and C information. Currently these 2 nutrients need to be listed. But since most Americans get enough, displaying their amount will not be mandatory.
10. Changes to recommended daily value for some nutrients. Sodium goes down from 2400 to 2300. Fiber will go up from 25 grams a day to 30.
