On May 20, 2016, FDA unveiled the new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods to reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The sweeping overhaul of the Nutrition Facts label is the first in 20 years and includes a modified list of required nutrients that must be declared on the label, updated serving size requirements, as well as an updated, easy-to-read design.
Most food manufacturers will be required to use the new label by July 26, 2018; however, FDA granted an extra year for manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales to comply with the new rules. Foods imported to the United States also will need to meet the final requirements. The updated regulations apply to packaged foods except certain meat, poultry and processed egg products, which are regulated by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Estimated the cost to industry at around $2 billion and impacts roughly 60,000 manufacturers and more than 700,000 Universal Product Codes, representing approximately $236.78 billion in packaged food sales.
In this episode, INSIDER Editor in Chief Sandy Almendarez and Managing Editor Judie Bizzozero discuss:
- Reasons behind FDA’s sweeping overhaul of the Nutrition Facts label
- Key changes to the Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods and beverages
- Changes to the Nutrition Facts label for the dietary supplements industry
Links and Resources:
- FDA Releases Updated Nutrition Facts
- FDA Proposes Sweeping Overhaul of Nutrition Facts Label
- FDA Proposes Adding %DV for Added Sugars on Nutrition Facts Label
