Nutrition Facts Panel Revisions Suggested

Ten days ago the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with First Lady Michelle Obama, announced updates to the Nutrition Facts label that appears on all packaged foods.  The proposed revisions are the first in over twenty years and are currently open for public comment. You can view the proposed changes and make comments here - https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/03/03/2014-04387/food-labeling-revision-of-the-nutriti...

The biggest changes proposed for the label are those around serving size and calories. The proposal calls for making the calorie information larger in size and bolder in color so that the information quickly “jumps” off the label. Impacting the calorie information is the proposal to change serving size from what is currently referred to as “Industry Standard” portions to a serving size that more accurately reflects what people consume. Some of the concern with this proposal is that consumers might now assume that the serving is the “right” amount when in fact the hope is that listing  a more realistic serving will make it easier for consumers to realize what they are eating and decide IF they need to consume that portion.

The proposed label will also show some changes in how columns are designed.  Comparing the current label with the proposal allows you to see that %DV (daily value) is now on the far left, making it more obvious. In addition, the vitamin and mineral box has a new vitamin - vitamin D - and a new mineral – potassium, while vitamins A and C have been dropped. This change is proposed to reflect the current quality of our diets and which nutrients we need to consume more of.

Take some time to review the proposed changes but remember that the next step is a 90 day comment period and then a review by the FDA before final regulations are released.

Connie Diekman, M.Ed., RD, CSSD, LD

Nutrition Communications Consultant