FDA Campaign Designed to Help Consumers Use New Food Label

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a campaign to help consumers use the new Nutrition Facts label that appears on packaged foods to maintain healthy dietary practices. The label was finalized in May 2016, but most manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales had until Jan. 1, 2020, to begin using it on their products. Manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales have until Jan. 1, 2021, to start using the new label, although many already have.

The new campaign is part of FDA’s comprehensive, multi-year Nutrition Innovation Strategy, which is designed to empower consumers with information about healthy food choices and to facilitate industry innovation toward healthier foods. The campaign’s tagline “What’s In It For You?” is designed to reach the general public and also focuses on consumers at increased risk of nutritionrelated chronic diseases, including obesity. Included in the campaign are videos and educational materials of food products modeling their new looks, including on a fashion runway, after receiving a makeover.

The new label is the first redesign of the Nutrition Facts in more than 20 years, and its design is based on updated scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. It is most distinguishable by its bold listings for serving sizes and calorie counts. Additional changes include new required listing for added sugars, vitamin D and potassium, and a dual column version of the label for food packages that contain two to three servings that can be reasonably consumed at one time. On the dual label, one column lists the nutritional facts related to a single serving, and the other column lists nutritional facts for the contents of the entire package. Serving sizes have also been updated to reflect that the amount of food and beverages people eat and drink has changed. The campaign is intended to educate consumers, as well as healthcare professionals, teachers, dietitians and community leaders. Information about the campaign can be accessed at www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/new-nutrition-facts-label.