FDA (Food and Drug Administration) published the new Nutrition Facts Label for packaged foods to reveal new scientific information such as the connection between diet and chronic diseases including obesity and heart disease. This campaign gives health care professionals, dietitians, middle and high school teachers, and community leaders proper resources to help consumers understand and utilize the new Nutrition Facts Label. It helps consumers to make informed food choices and to maintain a healthy diet. It is the first update to the Nutrition Facts Label in 20 years.
New Additions to the Nutrition Facts Label
Added Sugar
The amount of added sugar per serving must be listed on the new label. Earlier the label only added the total amount of sugar present, now it has been modified and includes any sugars that are used during processing, ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, honey, malt syrup, and brown sugar.
Micronutrients
Potassium and vitamin D are added to the updated nutrition facts label.
Changes to the Label
There are many changes that have been updated to the current nutrition facts label.
Serving size
On the new nutrition facts label, the serving size is presented in large font, making it easier to read.
Calories
The number of calories is displayed in a larger and bolder font in every food product.
Fats
The previous nutrition label added the number of calories from fat per serving. But on the new Nutrition Label, the total amount of fat and grams of trans and saturated fats are listed. It helps consumers analyze the amount of fat in a product like protein and carbohydrates.
Micronutrients
The old label listed the amounts of many essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, vitamins A, and C. Now on the new nutrition label, vitamins A and C are no longer required. The amount of micronutrients is displayed in milligrams (mg).
DV-Daily Values
The daily value is the recommendations of specific nutrients that you can consume every day. The DV has been modified for many nutrients such as potassium, fiber, and calcium. Consumers will see these changes in food products.
Footnote
Earlier the label did not mention the importance of the percentage DV. Instead, it simply explained, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs."
The footnote at the bottom of the label has been changed to explain the percentage of daily value more accurately.
Other Concerns
The new nutrition facts label is planned to help consumers make healthy dietary decisions. The label has mentioned important nutrient details. It also included some of the additional ingredients and nutrients on the label, such as caffeine to help consumers limit their caffeine intake. The new nutrition facts label also specifies whether food products are low, medium, or high in particular nutrients.
Conclusion
FDA released the nutrition facts label updates to help consumers make healthier decisions to manage their diet. Some of the major changes include mentioning the amount of added sugar, changes in micronutrients, and updated serving sizes.
