FDA Expected to Propose a Front-of-Package Label for Your Favorite Foods
September 10, 2024
New front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels are coming soon…
Globally, the adoption of front-of-package (FOP) labeling systems has been gaining momentum over the past decade. Countries like Chile, Mexico, and Israel have implemented mandatory nutrient warning labels that alert consumers on high levels of unhealthy nutrients in packaged foods. Other nations, including the UK and Australia, have opted for voluntary schemes like traffic light labels or Nutri-Score. Finally, the US is set to follow suit, with the FDA beginning the process of developing an FOP policy.
FOP labels are becoming an increasingly important tool in the fight for healthier eating habits. Designed to provide quick, clear nutritional information, these labels aim to help consumers make better choices without having to decipher the more detailed Nutrition Facts panel on the back of packages. By highlighting key nutrients that are often consumed in excess, like sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats, FOP labels offer a straightforward way to compare products at a glance. They also counterbalance potentially misleading marketing claims like “low fat” or “all natural,” providing a more honest nutritional snapshot.
Not all front-of-package labels are created equal, though. Research shows that simple, mandatory labels – like the nutrient warnings used in Latin America – are the most effective at influencing consumer behavior. These labels make it easy for consumers to spot unhealthy products and discourage their purchase. In contrast, voluntary systems like Health Star Ratings or traffic light labels tend to have a weaker impact, partly because their complexity can confuse consumers. Their voluntary nature also means that they aren’t consistently applied. Industry-backed labels, such as the Guideline Daily Allowance (GDA) systems, face even more criticism for being the least effective at guiding healthier choices.
The effectiveness of FOP labels goes beyond just nudging individual purchasing decisions; they also drive broader industry changes. When consumers start avoiding products with negative labels, companies respond by reformulating their recipes to reduce sugar, sodium, or saturated fat. This was evident in Chile, which implemented the first mandatory nutrient warning label in the world. Not only did they experience a drop in sugary drink purchases and significant reductions in unhealthy nutrient consumption, but many brands also adjusted their products to avoid the stigma of a nutrient warning label, ultimately improving the nutritional quality of their entire food supply.
The FDA has been working towards establishing a standardized FOP labeling system as part of their larger effort to improve public health. Over the past two years, the agency has conducted consumer research, including focus groups and experimental studies, to evaluate various labeling schemes. Based on their research, the FDA has been considering GDA labels, nutrition information labels that rate levels of nutrients as High, Medium, or Low (similar to traffic light labels), and “High In” labels (similar to nutrient warning labels). Early findings suggest that simple, attention-grabbing designs, such as black-and-white labels highlighting key nutrients, are particularly effective.
The Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA also hosted a public meeting last November 2023 where FDA officials shared updates on the initiative. Stakeholders – including consumer advocacy groups and food industry representatives – discussed what information these labels should feature. While most agreed on the importance of mandatory labeling and calorie information, there was debate over whether to include data on “healthy” nutrients or highlight non-sugar sweeteners.
Despite widespread agreement on the need for standardized FOP labels, the path forward has been slow. According to the FDA’s Unified Agenda, the agency’s proposed rule for FOP labeling was initially set for December 2023 but has been delayed multiple times, with October 2024 as the latest target, which has now passed. Once the proposal is released, the public will have a chance to weigh in, helping to shape the final policy. If successful, this initiative could bring the U.S. in line with other countries leading the way in making healthier eating the easy choice for everyone.
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