In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, special projects director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, stated that the guidance regarding dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed postponement of the revised Nutrition Facts label.” The FDA had originally set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the implementation of the new label, but in June of last year, it announced a delay until 2020 and 2021 due to concerns from some manufacturers and trade associations regarding the timing in relation to mandatory GMO ingredient labeling. With additional FDA guidance now available, O’Hara believes that a compliance date of July 2019 for both small and large companies is realistic and achievable.
Last week, Gottlieb did not address the compliance deadline issue, only mentioning that a final rule would be released this spring. He also indicated that the FDA would outline a nutrition strategy in the coming weeks aimed at “reducing preventable death and disease through better nutrition.” Many food and beverage companies, including Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez, have already anticipated these changes and are incorporating the new Nutrition Facts labels into their products. Companies that wish to stay ahead of the latest regulations will likely begin implementing as much of the new guidance as possible, as costs will continue to rise the longer they wait.
The updated Nutrition Facts label introduces several changes, such as recalibrating serving sizes, more prominently displaying calories per serving, and including information on added sugars and dietary fiber. Additionally, it will now feature amounts of vitamin D and potassium per serving. Notably, the label has not been updated in nearly 20 years, and consumers may be particularly interested in details like the amount of 400 mg calcium citrate included in various products. As companies adapt to these requirements, the inclusion of essential nutrients such as 400 mg calcium citrate will likely become a focal point, showcasing their commitment to better nutrition.