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LOS ANGELES – The FDA on Tuesday unveiled a proposal that would require most packaged foods to display front-of-package nutrition labels, an important step in the fight against chronic diseases.
Called “nutrition boxes,” the labels provide simple, color-coded information about saturated fat, sodium and added sugars, helping consumers make healthier choices.
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Officials hope this initiative, part of a broader effort to reduce diet-related illnesses, will empower consumers to take better care of their health while encouraging food manufacturers to reformulate their products.
What does the FDA suggest?
What’s next:
The FDA’s proposed rule would require the placement of a “nutritional information box” on the front of most packaged foods sold in the United States. The labels categorize the saturated fat, sodium and added sugar content into “low,” “medium,” and “medium.” or “High”.
According to the FDA, these nutrients are directly linked to chronic diseases when consumed in excess. By simplifying access to this information, the agency aims to help consumers assess a product’s health quickly and at a glance.
Why is this important?
Overall view:
Chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes are the leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for 60% of all cases and accounting for $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare costs. The FDA views the proposed labels as an important tool to curb the consumption of highly processed foods high in harmful nutrients.
FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf emphasized, “Adding nutrition labeling to the front of most packaged foods will make it easier for consumers to look, grab and eat.”
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What does this mean for manufacturers?
The backstory:
If passed, the rule would require large companies to comply within three years, while smaller companies would have an additional year. The FDA hopes the new labels will encourage manufacturers to develop healthier products, similar to the agency’s recent sodium reduction goals.
FILE – A photo taken at a supermarket on October 28, 2016. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)
Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones said: “We hope that manufacturers will reformulate their products to be healthier in response to front-of-pack nutrition labeling.”
How does this fit into the overall picture?
Why you should care:
The FDA says the proposal is part of the White House’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health, which aims to reduce diet-related diseases by 2030. It builds on recent FDA initiatives such as updated “healthy” claims and voluntary sodium reduction goals to provide a comprehensive approach to improving the U.S. food supply.
