Washington, D.C. — The FDA has proposed a new front-of-package label for most packaged foods, As part of a governmental effort to combat chronic disease in the U.S. The proposal would require manufacturers to prominently display foods’ saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar content.
The new Nutrition Info box format classifies saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar levels as “Low,” “Med,” or “High.” Consumers can then view more detailed information in the Nutrition Facts on the back of the package.
Chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading cause of disability and death in the U.S. Over half of Americans have at least one chronic disease.
According to the FDA, excess consumption of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, especially in ultra-processed foods, are a major contributor to the prevalence of chronic illnesses in the U.S.
“The science on saturated fat, sodium and added sugars is clear,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Nearly everyone knows or cares for someone with a chronic disease that is due, in part, to the food we eat. It is time we make it easier for consumers to glance, grab, and go. Adding front-of-package nutrition labeling to most packaged foods would do that. We are fully committed to pulling all the levers available to the FDA to make nutrition information readily accessible as part of our efforts to promote public health.”
The proposed Nutrition Info box is informed by a substantial body of research conducted by the FDA, including a scientific literature review, consumer focus groups, and a peer-reviewed experimental study. In 2023, the FDA conducted an experimental study of nearly 10,000 U.S. adults to further explore consumer responses to three different types of labels. The study determined which format enabled participants to make quick, accurate assessments about the healthfulness of a product.
The experimental study showed that the black and white Nutrition Info scheme with the percent Daily Value performed best.
“Food should be a vehicle for wellness, not a contributor of chronic disease,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. “In addition to our goal of providing information to consumers, it’s possible we’ll see manufacturers reformulate products to be healthier in response to front-of-package nutrition labeling. Together, we hope the FDA’s efforts, alongside those of our federal partners, will start stemming the tide of the chronic disease crisis in our country.”
The proposed rule, if finalized, would require food manufacturers to add a Nutrition Info box to most packaged foods three years after the final rule’s effective date for businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales and four years after the final rule’s effective date for businesses with less than $10 million in annual food sales.
Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted to regulations.gov by May 16, 2025.