FDA Updates the Nutrition Facts Label

What better way to celebrate National Nutrition Month! The new FDA proposal is a big win win for consumers and those lobbying nutrition professionals at The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The current Nutrition Facts label is 20 years old, and does not reflect the current food environment or recent scientific research. Consumers want information they can use to make healthful choices. And new research on consumers' use of the label, eating patterns, nutrition science and chronic diseases needs to be reflected on the label. Serving sizes for many products have been updated to realistically reflect the amounts people actually eat at one sitting, nutrient comparisons between ‘per serving’ and ‘per container’ are available, and a new requirement will tell consumers how much sugar is being added to a product.
Since the FDA indicated it would be making revisions, the Academy has been actively encouraging the agency to update the label to reflect the best science about the current food and disease environment. The most significant modifications to the label reflect the Academy's evidence-based recommendations for promoting healthful eating, and align with its Food Labeling Principles.
The Academy will continue to work with the FDA on future initiatives, including the possibility of Front of Package labeling and the sorts of health claims and structure or function claims that can be made about foods. We want the label to be truthful and not misleading.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.
~ Dr. Glenna McCollum, Academy President