USA – The US Food and Drug Administration has proposed a mandatory front-of-pack nutrition label for most packaged foods, aiming to help consumers identify healthier options.
The proposal, reported by the FDA, is part of a broader government effort to address chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which remain the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.
According to the FDA, the initiative aligns with a 2022 plan announced by President Joe Biden to combat diet-related diseases.
If implemented, the Nutrition Info box would categorise saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars in food products as “low,” “medium,” or “high.”
This front-of-pack label is intended to complement the existing Nutrition Facts label found on packaged foods in the US.
A report by the FDA indicates that manufacturers with annual sales of US$10 million or more would be given three years to comply with the new regulations, while smaller businesses would have four years.
The regulator has opened a public feedback period that will run until May 16.
FDA commissioner Robert Califf stated that chronic diseases linked to diet impact nearly every American household.
He emphasized the need for easily accessible nutrition information, explaining that front-of-pack labels would allow consumers to make quicker, more informed choices.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to using all available regulatory tools to improve public health through enhanced nutrition transparency.
The FDA cited research indicating that many ultra-processed foods sold in the US contain high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
Jennifer Hatcher, chief public policy officer of the Food Industry Association, acknowledged the proposal as a suitable approach but raised concerns about its implementation.
She noted that placing the label on the upper third of the principal display panel would require significant redesigns of existing packaging, potentially displacing essential information such as date labels.
Hatcher also warned that such changes would result in increased costs for manufacturers with limited benefits to public health.
Dr Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, described the proposal as long overdue.
He highlighted its potential to influence healthier purchasing decisions, encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products and slow the rise of diet-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Lurie expressed hope that the FDA would consider international models, such as the “High In” warning labels adopted in South America, when finalizing the policy.
The proposed front-of-pack nutrition labels represent a significant step in the US government’s efforts to improve dietary health and reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases.
The FDA continues to seek input from industry stakeholders and health experts as it moves forward with finalizing the regulation.
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