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New Nutrition Facts Label

New Nutrition Facts Label

Food and Drug Administration

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) new Nutrition Facts Label was finalized in May 2016, and it reflects the most significant changes since its inception in 1993.

The new Nutrition Facts label will make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about the foods and beverages they eat and drink. The label reflects the latest scientific thinking about nutrition and the links between what people eat and chronic diseases, like obesity and cardiovascular disease.

The new food label is based on new nutrition and public health research, the most recent dietary recommendations from expert groups and input from four Advance Notices of Proposed Rule Making and various citizens' petitions.

Highlights of the Final Nutrition Facts Label:

  • Features a refreshed design with increased type size for calories, serving size and servings per container
  • Reflects updated information about nutrition science:
    • Removes "calories from fat".
    • Changes "sugar" to "total sugars" and requires labeling of "added sugars".
      • Single-ingredient packages and/or containers of single ingredient sugars, honey, agave, and syrups including maple syrup are not required to declare the amount of added sugars in grams, but must still include the percent Daily Value for added sugars on their labels.
      • Certain dried cranberry products and cranberry beverages must declare added sugars in grams and declare the percent Daily Value for added sugars. However, FDA guidance permits the use of a footnote on these products with an explanation in regards to the sugars being added to improve their palatability, if the amount of “total sugars” does not exceed the amount in a comparable unsweetened product. This will be noted by a “†” symbol immediately following the percent Daily Value for added sugars.
    • Requires labeling of vitamin D and potassium (along with calcium and iron); gives the option of labeling vitamins A and C.
    • Includes updated serving sizes to reflect commonly consumed portion sizes rather than recommended portion sizes.

Compliance Date:

The FDA issued a final rule on May 4, 2018, extending the original compliance deadline to January 1, 2020. An additional year for compliance has been granted to those with less than $10 million in annual food sales. This extension has been issued in order to allow adequate time for the implementation of the new Nutrition Facts label.

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