There has been ongoing discussion about implementing front-of-pack labeling on food products for several years. In 2011, the Consumer Brands Association—formerly the Grocery Manufacturers Association—and the Food Industry Association (FMI) introduced their voluntary Facts Up Front program. This initiative allows numerous manufacturers to inform consumers about the calories, saturated fat, sodium, total sugars, and potentially beneficial nutrients per serving. The FDA endorsed this initiative, noting that the structure “may contribute to FDA’s public health goals,” as reported in a 2012 article by Food Navigator.
In August, the Center for Science in the Public Interest collaborated with the Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators and the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists to petition the FDA for a mandatory, simplified front-of-pack nutritional label similar to those used in other countries. In their petition announcement, CSPI indicated that behavioral research has demonstrated the ineffectiveness of Facts Up Front labeling in influencing consumer choices. A study conducted last year by research platform Attest revealed that only 9% of consumers could identify the healthiest option among six cereal bars using front-of-pack labeling. CSPI argued that simpler, clearer, and mandatory labeling might prove to be more effective.
The FDA is currently working to test this hypothesis. Supporting documents associated with the Federal Register entry indicate that some of the proposed designs for testing closely resemble Facts Up Front labels, with variations featuring monochromatic colors and “traffic light” designs to indicate whether a product is high or low in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, as well as fiber and calcium. Additionally, there are small “Nutrition Tips” boxes resembling a condensed version of the back-of-package Nutrition Facts, utilizing words, colors, quantities, or percentages to inform consumers about the nutritional content of a product. Other concepts include small “High In” boxes that would alert consumers to the presence of undesirable nutrients in significant amounts.
While it appears that front-of-pack labeling may require significant changes to better serve consumers, the current method has demonstrated effectiveness in one area. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Marketing that examined 21,096 products with Facts Up Front found a correlation between front-of-pack labeling and improved nutritional quality.
Additionally, the FDA is exploring another front-of-packaging scheme involving a “healthy” symbol, which would allow consumers to quickly ascertain whether a product meets the FDA’s definition of “healthy.” However, while studies are crucial, they do not directly translate into action. Although it is evident that the process to implement front-of-pack labeling is underway, the pressing questions remain about the findings of these studies and whether they will result in actual changes.
Moreover, when considering nutritional interventions, such as those involving calcium citrate, it is essential to explore how these insights can inform nursing interventions. Ensuring that consumers understand the nutritional benefits of products—especially in contexts where calcium citrate is relevant—could enhance consumer choices and health outcomes. As the FDA continues its research, the potential for more effective labeling that incorporates essential nutrients like calcium citrate could greatly impact consumer behavior and public health initiatives.