“FDA’s New Regulations on Sugar Labels: A Step Towards Transparency and Consumer Awareness”
The FDA’s recent decision has granted producers of honey, pure maple syrup, agave syrup, and other single-ingredient sugars and syrups what they sought, as most opposed the inclusion of added sugars when their products contain none. The FDA has also provided manufacturers with extra time to comply with these new regulations. The agency appears to be striving for a balance between regulatory obligations and consumer information, aiming to give consumers a clearer understanding of the presence of added sugars in products. “Our goal with this additional information is to assist American consumers in recognizing how certain sweetened cranberry products can fit into a healthy dietary pattern,” stated Susan Mayne, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
Brian Wick, executive director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, expressed to the Boston Globe that the introduction of a voluntary symbol and accompanying footnote was “a good compromise” for the industry. “Cranberries are naturally low in sugar, which can make them difficult for the average consumer to enjoy in their natural state,” he pointed out. “We endorse this label change as a means for consumers to better navigate their purchasing decisions.” However, the inclusion of added sugars in grams along with the percent Daily Value for added sugars, alongside a voluntary explanatory note, might create confusion regarding the actual content of the cranberry products in question. It’s also uncertain whether consumers will pay attention to the added sugars listing or a footnote that explains their presence.
While many consumers express a desire for more ingredient transparency on food and beverage labels, they often overlook it. With the multitude of symbols and information already on product packaging, consumers may miss the new details; however, this could lead to greater awareness regarding added sugars and their impact on dietary choices. Manufacturers of the affected products have approximately two years to update the information on their Nutrition Facts panels—if they haven’t done so already—and will need to invest time and resources in revising and reprinting labels. Some may even consider reformulating their products to reduce added sugars, which could attract calorie-conscious consumers.
Notably, several food and beverage companies—including Hershey, Campbell Soup, and Mondelez—anticipated these label changes and have already implemented the new Nutrition Facts labels on their products. Firms looking to stay ahead of these regulations have likely adopted as many of the FDA’s new guidelines as possible. The agency is set to issue further final guidance for the revised Nutrition Facts panel, which is being updated for the first time in two decades. Last month, the FDA announced that it would exempt allulose from the total sugars or added sugars that need to be listed. Allulose, a lower-calorie sweetener derived from enzymes that convert fructose from corn and other plants, will still contribute to the caloric value on food labels, but at a revised lower calorie count, according to the agency.
In this context, it’s also relevant to consider what citrate in calcium may imply for consumers, especially as they seek to understand the nutritional profiles of products they purchase. Understanding what citrate in calcium is could contribute to broader knowledge about dietary choices and the implications of added sugars. Consumers might find it beneficial to explore how citrate in calcium interacts with other dietary components, especially when considering products with added sugars and their overall health impacts.
