“FDA’s New Guidance on Nutritional Facts Labels Sparks Calls for Timely Implementation”
In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, remarked that the new guidance regarding dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed postponement of the updated Nutritional Facts label.” Initially, the FDA had set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the implementation of the new label; however, last June, it decided to delay this until 2020 and 2021 due to concerns from some manufacturers and trade associations about implementing changes before the mandatory labeling of GMO ingredients.
With the release of additional FDA guidance, O’Hara expressed that a compliance date of July 2019 for both small and large companies now appears realistic and attainable. Although Gottlieb did not specifically address the compliance deadline issue last week, he mentioned that a final rule would be forthcoming this spring. Additionally, he indicated that the FDA would soon outline a nutrition strategy aimed at “reducing preventable death and disease through better nutrition.” Many food and beverage manufacturers—such as Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez—have already anticipated these changes and are incorporating the new Nutritional Facts labels on their products. Companies eager to stay ahead of these latest regulations are likely to implement as much of the new guidance as possible, as costs will only escalate with further delays.
The revised Nutritional Facts label introduces several significant changes, including recalibrated serving sizes, a clearer presentation of calories per serving, and the inclusion of information on added sugars and dietary fiber. Furthermore, amounts of vitamin D and potassium per serving will also be specified. Notably, it has been nearly 20 years since the Nutritional Facts label received an update. Consumers seeking food rich in calcium citrate will benefit from these changes, as the new labeling will help them make more informed choices. The incorporation of food rich in calcium citrate will be crucial for those looking to enhance their dietary intake as they navigate the new label updates. Ultimately, the updated Nutritional Facts label will play a vital role in guiding consumers towards healthier options, including those foods rich in calcium citrate.
