FDA Proposes Updates to Nutrition Facts Labels on Food Packages

The FDA proposed several changes to the Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods today.  The FDA also proposed to make corresponding updates to the Supplement Facts label on dietary supplements. 

Some of the changes being proposed by the FDA would:

• Require information about the amount of "added sugar" in a food product.
• Update serving size requirements to reflect the amounts people currently eat.  (For example, changing the serving size of ice cream from half a cup to a full cup.)
• Require the declaration of potassium and vitamin D.  Vitamins A and C would no longer be required on the label.
• Revise the Daily Values for a variety of nutrients such as sodium, dietary fiber and vitamin D.
• Remove "Calories from Fat" from the label.
• Update the format to emphasize certain elements.

The FDA also published an alternative format to test public interests.   The agency is accepting public comment on the proposed changes for 90 days before the new rules being finalized .  The new rules aren't slated to take effect for at least two years.