On May 20, 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a change in the nutrition label on packaged foods, representing the first change in some twenty years. The biggest change is the addition of ‘Added Sugars’. Sugar occurs naturally in food. With the original label, consumers were blind to the amount of added sugar. We know more about the role of sugar and how it contributes to obesity and diabetes. Both illnesses cause an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. The new nutrition label is a big win for the fight against obesity. Consumers can now make more informed choices.
Check out the other label changes illustrated below. In addition to ‘Added Sugars,’ take note of the bigger and bolder type. It’s hard to miss the ‘Calories’ in bigger and bolder type. Also, note the serving size is more accurate.
Click here for a side-by-side comparison of the old vs new labels.
When will the new nutrition labels appear on packaged foods?
Food manufactures have until July 2018 to comply with the new FDA ruling. Companies that have less than 10-million in food sales will have an additional year to comply.
Takeaway Point
Obesity is a health epidemic. Approximately 1/3 of adults and children are obese. The change in the nutrition label is a great step in helping people understand what they are consuming, hopefully leading them to make better food choices. “When you know better, you do better”-Maya Angelou
Because I couldn’t resist a clip of our First Lady, watch our First Lady, Michelle Obama as she announced the new FDA Nutrition Label. Mrs. Obama has made the fight against obesity her platform.
