FDA Proposes Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels to Address Chronic Disease

The proposed labels would highlight levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars to help consumers make healthier food choices.

The FDA's proposed front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels aim to clearly display levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, categorized as 'Low,' 'Med,' or 'High.'
The initiative is part of a broader government strategy to combat chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which affect nearly 60% of Americans.
The proposal follows extensive research, including a 2023 study involving 10,000 U.S. adults, which found a black-and-white label design with percent Daily Value to be the most effective.
Manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales would have three years to comply after the rule's finalization, while smaller businesses would have four years.
FDA officials and experts believe the labels could encourage healthier consumer choices and potentially prompt food manufacturers to reformulate products to meet improved nutritional standards.