ToThe FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has new guidelines for Nutrition Facts labels used in food and beverage packaging. These changes require labels to contain new scientific information. As a result, the hope is that the changes will assist consumers to make more informed choices.
These new requirements are important to know, especially if you are a manufacturer who needs to keep their product labels up to date.
What has changed in Nutrition Label Requirements?
The look of the new label isn’t much different than its predecessor. However, the new Nutrition Label Requirements revise the layout and the information contained within. According to the FDA’s announcement, the most noteworthy changes between the two versions of the labels are as follows:
- Increasing the type size for “Calories,” “Servings per container,” and the “Serving size” declaration. Bolding the number of calories and the “Serving size” declaration. This emphasis is to highlight this information.
- Changing the footnote to better explain what Percentage Daily Value means. It will now read: “The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”
- The FDA now requires manufacturers to declare the actual amount, in addition to Percent Daily Value of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.
- Due to research performed, removing “Calories from Fat” shows that the type of fat is more important than the amount of fat.
- On the revised label, the “Added Sugars” declaration should be directly beneath the listing for “Total Sugars.”
- Serving sizes are to be based on the amounts of foods and beverages that people are actually eating, not what they should be eating.
Product Label Tips for Manufacturers
While it can be difficult, updating your labels can be easier with planning. Here are a couple of tips:
- Go with the flow: Updating labels with the new required Nutrition Facts can be the perfect opportunity to evaluate your current label design. Since you are updating, try something new or make improvements.
- Mask old information with cover-up labels: Also known as “block out labels.” This unique label material allows you the ability to completely cover up the old Nutrition Facts while continuing to use the remainder of your label inventory.
It is important to start thinking about updating your labels sooner rather than later. Whatever your label needs, contact United Label Corporation for a free estimate and to learn how to get started!