The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published updated regulations on food labeling on May 27, 2016.

The new regulations will change the way food labels are presented and aim to provide consumers with more accurate nutritional information about the foods they eat. The updated regulations are set to take effect on July 26, 2018, and manufacturers will have until that date to comply with the new labeling requirements.

The Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label

One of the most significant changes to the food labeling regulations is the update to the Nutrition Facts label.

The new label will have a more prominent display of calories, updated serving sizes, and require manufacturers to disclose the amount of added sugars. Additionally, the label will require manufacturers to declare the actual amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as their Daily Value Percentage.

The new label also requires a footnote that explains the Daily Value Percentage, which will encourage consumers to make informed choices when comparing the nutritional content of different products.

Changes to Serving Sizes

The serving sizes on the new Nutrition Facts label have been updated to reflect the amount of food and drinks that people consume today.

For example, the serving sizes for certain foods such as ice cream, cookies, and cereal have been adjusted to more closely reflect typical consumption. This change will help consumers understand the nutritional content of the food they are eating. It will also help them to better compare the nutritional content of similar products, which will help them make more informed choices when purchasing food.

Changes to the List of Required Vitamins and Minerals

The new Nutrition Facts label requires manufacturers to list the actual amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as their Daily Value Percentage. Some nutrients, such as Vitamin D and Potassium, are now required on all food labels.

Vitamins A and C are no longer mandatory, but manufacturers can still include them if they choose to do so. This change in the mandate aims to reflect the actual nutrient content of modern diets.

Changes to the List of Nutrients on the Label

The new Nutrition Facts label will no longer require the listing of Vitamins A and C, but will require information on Vitamin D and Potassium.

Additionally, manufacturers must declare the actual amount of Calcium and Iron, rather than just the percentage of the Daily Value. The new label will also require the listing of Vitamin D and Potassium in milligrams, as well as the actual amount in grams for Iron and Calcium.

With this information, consumers will have more accurate information about the nutrients they are consuming and can better ensure that their nutritional needs are being met.

Changes to the Reference Amounts for Certain Food Categories

The reference amounts for certain food categories on the new label have been updated to reflect changing consumer habits and the availability of new data on nutrient intake.

The reference amount for ice cream, for example, has been increased from half a cup to two-thirds of a cup, which is more reflective of the typical serving size of ice cream. Changes to the reference amounts will also help consumers be more aware of calorie and nutrient intake as well as promote healthy eating habits.

Changes to the Format of Ingredients Listings

The updated FDA regulations also require a change in the format of the ingredient listing on food labels.

The changes aim to make it easier for consumers to identify allergens and will require manufacturers to highlight allergens by placing the ingredients in bold, italic, or underlined text. The new regulations will also require that the name of the allergen will be included in a “contains” statement following the ingredient list.

These changes will help consumers with food allergies to quickly identify foods to avoid, and make it easier to make informed decisions when shopping for food.

Changes to the Compliance Dates and Exemptions

Manufacturers will be required to comply with the new food labeling regulations from July 26, 2018.

Small manufacturers will have an additional year, and companies with less than $10 million in annual sales will be required to change their labeling by 1st January 2021. Some products will be exempt from compliance with the new regulations, such as foods sold in bulk, medical foods, and dietary supplements.

Conclusion

The updated FDA food labeling regulations will provide consumers with more accurate and informative information about the foods they eat. This will enable them to make more informed decisions about what they eat and how much of it they consume.

The changes will enable consumers to better understand the nutritional value of their food, compare products, and make healthier choices. With these new regulations, it is hoped that consumers will be able to improve their overall health by making more informed and healthier food choices.