The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that after 22 years, the Nutrition Fact label will be updated. Food manufacturers will be required to use this updated label by July 2018.
The label will help improve a shopper’s ability to understand the information provided and make educated choices when shopping. The information presented on the label also reflects the 2015-2020 USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Some noticeable changes to the label include:
- An updated design with larger, bolder print;
- More realistic serving sizes based on how much consumers actually eat. For instance, a serving of ice cream will become 2/3 cup rather than the current 1/2 cup;
- Prominent information regarding calories and servings per container;
- A dual-column on packaged items with more than one serving that could be consumed in one sitting. Nutrition information per serving as well as per container;
- The removal of “calories from fat,” as the type of fat consumed is more important than the amount;
- Grams of “added sugars” and a percent daily value (%DV) will now be present. Consuming no more than 10% of daily calories from added sugar is the current USDA recommendation; and
- The nutrients Americans need—potassium, vitamin D, calcium and iron—will be mandatory and will be shown in absolute amounts. Vitamin A and C will be voluntary by the manufacturer.
