In 2016, congress passed changes to the FDA nutrition label guidelines.
Sell by Date VS. Best Used by Date
The sell by date means the date the product should be sold by and removed from their shelves. Typically, the products still have one third of their life left after the sell-by date. The best used by date means the date the product should be consumed by for ideal quality. It can be used or eaten after this date, but may not be the best quality it can be. The FDA believes that is it best for companies to only put the “Best Used by Date” on their product and not “Sell By,” as this can be confusing. The “Best Used” deals with the expiration date, while the latter only deals with when it should be sold and out of the store. With this in mind, labels are going to be more focused on the “Best Used by Date.”
Nutrition Facts and Ingredient Listing
New labels have more emphasis on the nutrition facts of their product. The FDA wants to include the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. It has more information on serving size, servings per container, and calories per product. It is also important to include on labels the dietary supplements of each product. Additionally, all ingredients must be listed on the label of the product to ensure all parts of the item have been accounted for.
The changes to labels have only bettered products and will continue to increase production of labels for items to be sold everywhere. FDA nutrition label guidelines are constantly changing.
At United Label, we have had a lot of experience with changing food labels and the benefits to the change. Contact us and we will help to update and print more labels.
Call us today for a free estimate at (973) 589-6500.