Yep, so it is about time the FDA made some changes. On May 20th, 2016 the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, released the new and updated version of the food nutrition label. They made changes to ensure consumers have accurate information about the foods they are eating and to help them make more informed choices about portion control.

What are some of the changes?

• New design
• Updated information
• Updates on serving size and label requirements

New design of the food label::

The label itself will look pretty similar but certain important information will be easier to see from a consumers’ point of view. As you can see from the picture below. The new label will have an increase type size and bolded words for “calorie”, “servings per container”, and “serving size.” In addition to the food label, there will now be a footnote to explain what percent Daily Value means.

source: www.fda.gov

Updated nutritional information::

Currently, there is a list of nutrients that are on the food label. With the new changes, vitamin D and potassium will be required on the label, calcium and iron will remain, but vitamins A and C will no longer be required. Also, there will now be an “added sugars” listing on the label in grams and as percent Daily Value.  With the current research pointing towards the importance of good fat in our diets, the listing of “Calories from Fat” is being removed because the type of fat is more important than the amount. To comply with the new scientific evidence from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Report, the daily values for nutrients are being updated to current requirements.

source: www.fda.gov

Updated serving size and label requirements::

Since 1993, when the last food label was revealed a lot has changed in regard to serving size. Serving sizes are actually based on amounts of food and drinks that people are ACTUALLY consuming, not what they should consume. That being said, the serving sizes were really out of date. For example, back in 1993, a serving of soda was considered 8oz, today its 12 oz. No shocker there. 

In addition to the serving size, the package that the food is in also contributed to what people eat. With the new updates, the packaging will more accurately reflect one serving, because that is what a person typically eats. For example, on a label that is for a one serving of soup which is 12 oz, the other items on the food label will reflect and labeled as one serving. But if a product is larger or “more than one serving” the manufacturer has to put “dual columns” to reflect what the nutrition facts are for multiple servings and list it as serving “per package.” This way people will easily see how many calories will be consumed if they eat the entire package, unlike current labels which list multiple servings in one package.

Note, manufacturers will be required to start using label by July 26, 2018. I am excited for the new nutrition food label as I think it will give consumers a better and clearer idea of what they are consuming and to gauge for better portion control.

By Dr. Ellie Heintze

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm