FDA proposes rule requiring simplified nutrition label on the front of most packaged foods

Key takeaways:

• The new label would include information on sodium, saturated fats and added sugars.
• The rule is an attempt to combat the chronic disease crisis in the U.S., which can be partially attributed to nutrition.

The FDA has proposed a rule requiring a new nutrition label on the front of most packaged foods, offering consumers easily visible information about the presence of key nutrients, according to a press release.

The front-of-package label would include information about added sugars, sodium and saturated fat content because, when consumed in excess, these nutrients are directly associated with chronic disease, the release noted.

“The science on saturated fat, sodium and added sugars is clear,” according to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD.

“Nearly everyone knows or cares for someone with a chronic disease that is due, in part, to the food we eat,” Califf said in the release. “It is time we make it easier for consumers to glance, grab and go. Adding front-of-package nutrition labeling to most packaged foods would do that. We are fully committed to pulling all the levers available to the FDA to make nutrition information readily accessible as part of our efforts to promote public health.”

The proposed front-of-package label — the Nutrition Info box — would complement the existing detailed nutrition facts label with a simple format indicating if the product has ‘high,’ ‘med,’ or ‘low’ levels of sodium, added sugars and saturated fats, according to the release. High levels of these nutrients are common in ultraprocessed foods, which research has indicated is strongly associated with the development of major chronic diseases like diabetes.

“Food should be a vehicle for wellness, not a contributor of chronic disease,” Jim Jones, FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, said in the release. “In addition to our goal of providing information to consumers, it’s possible we’ll see manufacturers reformulate products to be healthier in response to front-of-package nutrition labeling. Together, we hope the FDA’s efforts, alongside those of our federal partners, will start stemming the tide of the chronic disease crisis in our country.”

In a statement, Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association applauded the proposal, noting that the rule marks “an important step to make nutrition information clearer and more accessible, and to empower consumers to make informed choices for their health and the health of their families.”

“Front-of-pack nutrition labeling has been adopted by other countries and has been shown to improve consumer understanding, drive healthier purchases and incentivize companies to reformulate products to be healthier,” Brown said in the statement. “We look forward to reviewing and providing feedback on FDA’s proposal and working closely with the new administration to make front-of-pack nutrition labeling a reality in this country.”

According to the FDA’s release, this proposal is part of a federal effort to fight the chronic disease crisis in the U.S.

Recently, the FDA also updated its definition of “healthy,” so food labels will have to abide by new rules to earn the title. According to the release, efforts like these can help consumers reduce their ultraprocessed food intake and more easily identify foods that are recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The FDA is accepting comments on the proposed rule until May 16. They can be submitted here.

References:

• FDA proposes requiring at-a-glance nutrition information on the front of packaged foods. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-proposes-requiring-glance-nutrition-information-front-packaged-foods. Published Jan. 14, 2025. Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.
• Front-of-pack food labeling would empower healthier choices. Available at: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/front-of-pack-food-labeling-would-empower-healthier-choices. Published Jan. 14, 2025. Accessed Jan. 14, 2025.