
Share On Social!
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new proposal to require front-of-package nutrition labels on most foods that have a Nutrition Facts label on back.
The proposal would require a compact informational box, also referred to as the “Nutrition Info Box,” with nutrient information on the front (or principal display panel) of products. The box would also contain information on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars content in a simple format showing whether the food has “Low,” “Med,” or “High” levels of these nutrients.
The aim is to give consumers nutrition information to help them quickly, easily identify how foods and drinks can be part of a healthy diet.
“Nearly everyone knows or cares for someone with a chronic disease that is due, in part, to the food we eat. It is time we make it easier for consumers to glance, grab and go. Adding front-of-package nutrition labeling to most packaged foods would do that,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf in a statement.
FDA is seeking public comments on the proposed requirement.
Submit a model comment created by Salud America! to urge the FDA to require front-of-package nutrition labels on foods and drinks.
Comments are open until May 16, 2025.
Submit This Model Comment to Urge Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels
Greetings,
I believe that it’s important for all families to have the ability to achieve a healthy diet.
Therefore, I urge the FDA to move ahead with its proposal to require front-of-package nutrition labels on foods and drinks, which will provide new information on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Front-of-package nutrition labels enable Latino and all people to easily access nutrition facts, gain a better understanding of which foods and drinks are healthy, and opportunity to choose nutritious food products.
60% of Americans having at least one chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. (https://bit.ly/4jh4qPT). Additionally, Latinos disproportionately face these chronic health issues and higher rates. (https://bit.ly/3E9UF5Q). A healthy diet is paramount to preventing chronic disease and maintaining health.
With this in mind, nutrition labels should be readily available on the front of packages for all people and families to see, understand, and use to make informed decisions when it comes to what food and drink products that they purchase and consume.
Why Is FDA Proposing Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels?
FDA’s proposal is based on research, including a scientific literature review, consumer focus groups, and a 2023 peer-reviewed experimental study.
The study worked with nearly 10,000 U.S. adults to identify which front-of-package labels helped participants to make quicker and more accurate assessments of the healthfulness of a product based on the levels of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars displayed.
“The experimental study showed that the black and white Nutrition Info scheme with the percent Daily Value performed best in helping consumers identify healthier food options,” according to the FDA.
See the FDA’s full proposal.
What Is the Future of the Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels?
You can comment on FDA’s proposal until 11:59 p.m. ET on May 16, 2025.
Commenting on proposed regulations and rules lets federal officials know about the potential impact of their decisions. Participating in the rulemaking process also allows you or your organization to shape federal programs and rules, according to Unidos US.
FDA will consider public comments as it moves toward a final rule.
If finalized, front-of-package nutrition labels would require food manufacturers to add the new Nutrition Info Box to most packaged food products three years after the final rule’s effective date for businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales and four years after the final rule’s effective date for businesses with less than $10 million in annual food sales.
“Together, we hope the FDA’s efforts, alongside those of our federal partners, will start stemming the tide of the chronic disease crisis in our country,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones.
Explore More:
Healthy FoodBy The Numbers
1
Supermarket
for every Latino neighborhood, compared to 3 for every non-Latino neighborhood