In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, remarked that the guidance concerning dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed postponement of the updated Nutrition Facts label.” Initially, the FDA set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the new label’s implementation, but last June, it announced a delay until 2020 and 2021 due to concerns from some manufacturers and trade associations about timing, particularly before the mandatory GMO ingredient labeling was required.
With the new FDA guidance now available, O’Hara expressed that a compliance date of July 2019 for both small and large companies appears realistic and attainable. Last week, Gottlieb did not specifically address the compliance deadline, only stating that a final rule would be published this spring. He also indicated that the FDA would unveil a nutrition strategy in the coming weeks aimed at “reducing preventable death and disease through better nutrition.”
Many food and beverage manufacturers, including Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez, have anticipated these changes and are already utilizing the new Nutrition Facts labels on their products. Companies aiming to stay ahead of these regulations are likely to implement as much of the new guidance as possible, as costs are expected to rise the longer they wait. The updated Nutrition Facts label introduces several modifications, such as recalibrating serving sizes, clearly displaying calories per serving, and including details on added sugars and dietary fiber. Additionally, the amounts of vitamin D and potassium per serving will be listed. Notably, the Nutrition Facts label has not seen an update in nearly 20 years.
In light of these updates, products like calcium citrate with vitamin D chewable 1200 mg can benefit from the new regulations, as clearer labeling will help consumers make informed choices. The emphasis on dietary fibers and added sugars aligns well with the growing health consciousness among consumers, making the inclusion of calcium citrate with vitamin D chewable 1200 mg even more relevant. As companies adapt to these new guidelines, we can expect to see an increase in the promotion of products like calcium citrate with vitamin D chewable 1200 mg, ensuring that consumers are aware of their nutritional benefits.