After 20 Years, Nutritional Labels Have Changed

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a new nutritional label to be displayed on packaged foods and drinks. This is the first label update in over 20 years and is based on scientific information, new nutrition research and input from the public.

The new design makes it easier for the public to gather information about the product, allowing consumers to make more informed food choices that will contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

Part of the new label launch is an outreach educational campaign. This includes a newsletter for consumers and healthcare professionals, Facebook and Twitter posts that appeal to a larger consumer market, campaign videos to be posted on YouTube, downloadable factsheets discussing the nutritional information in more detail, as well as indoor and outdoor advertisements.

In 2018, the Nutrition Innovation Strategy set to change their guidelines to reduce preventable deaths and disease related to poor nutrition. As part of the change, a big part of the process is educating the consumers in an ongoing public health effort.

Furthermore, labels are now interactive too; consumers or healthcare professionals are able to explore the label further, gaining further insights on the products via a new tool.

What’s different?

The label makes it easier to meet your nutritional needs by the changes made to product labels.

1. “Serving size” and “calories” are now in a larger, bolder font.
2. Serving sizes have been updated to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink.
3. Daily Values for nutrients have been updated.
4. Added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium are now listed on the label.

As stated in a press release, the “FDA encourages you to use these campaign materials to help increase awareness, understanding, and use of the Nutrition Facts label. The next time you head to the store, look for the new Nutrition Facts label to help you make more informed food and beverage choices for you and your family.”