The FDA has recently proposed a new food label. Our current food label has it's origins back in the late 1960's when the FDA passed the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act which required “all consumer products in interstate commerce to be honestly and informatively labeled, with FDA enforcing provisions on foods, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.”
This was followed in 1990 by the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act which standardized terminology, mandated federal food standards, and set standards for foods, labeling, and health claims. The label was further modified for nutrition facts in 1992, the addition of trans-fats in 2003, and the food allergy labeling requirement in 2004.
This new change however is the most significant overhaul of the label. Some of the changes include larger, bold type for things such as calories and adjusted serving sizes. Current serving sizes are based on habits from the 1970's (before the era of super sizing). Calorie measures are a bit of a challenge as they are approximate and can vary quite a bit. There is also a change in nutrients with the removal of vitamins A and C and the addition of vitamin D and potassium.
There are still a few challenges that I see with this label however since it isn't due to be fully implemented for as much as two years there may be more changes before it happens. Some of the things that come to my attention when I look at the new label are:
- Calories are still based on 2,000 per day with no explanation of how/why consumers should recalculate
- I do like the added sugars section and wonder if this will be further modified to include types of sugar
- Calories from fat is no longer on the label — most people seem confused by this anyway so removing it shouldn't be a problem
- Trans-fats are still on the label in spite of the fact that they have been declared no longer GRAS
- There is no information for fiber that is meaningful in terms of gut health
- I'm not clear on whether the new %DV will be adjusted to more functional levels
Overall I think it's a positive shift since there is room for comment and change. And presumably the introduction of a new label may trigger more interest in reading the label.
Currently the FDA is seeking public comment on two issues related to the label.
1. Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Label, and
Consider taking a moment to give input and help shape the new future of nutrition labeling.
I’m with Tiffany! I’d really like to see more prominence and information about dairy, wheat, milk, soy, nuts, etc. and those possible allergens that are less common or considered “minor”
Food labeles can be confusing, thanks for the info.
This is a good start. Agree that there is much more work to be done.
I’d like to also see them revise the food allergy statements on the the nutrition labels. Right now, it is completely voluntarily for companies to disclose possible cross-contact with the top 8 allergens in the manufacturing process. They are only required to disclose top 8 allergens that are actual ingredients.
I don’t think we need such a big focus on calories – to me quality is more important!
And of course it’s missing the GMO section
The good thing is that it’s getting people talking about labels…and hopefully reading them
Thanks for sharing Mira. I’m not a “label girl” except when it comes to my food 🙂
Thank you so much for this very interesting explanation Mira. I had been wondering about that. I think making the serving size larger is a great start.
I so appreciate that you are such a labeling expert, Mira. I really count on you as the go-to person for knowing what is in our food.