May 20, 2016
by Staff Writer
Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label | FDA
The Federal Drug Administration announced the new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods to reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The new label will make it easier for consumers to make better informed food choices.
The changes were proposed by the Food and Drug Administration two years ago and are the first major update to the labels since their introduction in 1994. They are now on more than 800,000 food products.
Nutrition advocates have long sought an added sugars line on the label so consumers can understand how much sugar in an item occurs naturally, and how much is added by the manufacturer.
The new labels include a new “percent daily value” for sugars, indicates how much of their recommended daily intake they will get from each item. The guidelines recommend no more than 10 percent of calories from added sugar, a limit of around 200 calories or 50 grams.
Serving sizes are clearer, listed at the top of the graphic, less misleading, and makes it easier to understand how many servings are in a container.
First Lady Michelle Obama announced the change at a conference organized by the Partnership for a Healthier America. She has promoted label updates as part of her “Let’s Move!” campaign against childhood obesity.