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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule requiring front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels on most packaged foods. This initiative aims to help consumers make healthier choices by displaying levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. The proposed labels will categorize these nutrients as "Low," "Medium," or "High," offering a quick reference for shoppers.
According to the FDA, this move is part of a broader effort to combat chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, which are prevalent in the U.S. The proposal is informed by extensive research, including a study of nearly 10,000 U.S. adults that identified the most effective label design for helping consumers make informed decisions.
The FDA's initiative aligns with international practices, as similar labeling systems exist in countries like the United Kingdom and Chile.
“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 FDA plans to implement the labels by 2028, with larger manufacturers given three years and smaller ones four years to comply after the rule is finalized. The Consumer Brands Association has expressed concerns, advocating for voluntary labeling instead.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest supports the proposal, highlighting its potential to encourage healthier consumer purchases and product reformulation.
Public comments on the proposal are open until May 16, 2025.