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, emphasized that the new guidance concerning dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed postponement of the revised Nutritional Facts label. Originally, the FDA set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the implementation of the new label; however, in June, the agency 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 the additional FDA guidance now available, O’Hara believes that a compliance date of July 2019 for both small and large companies is realistic and attainable. Last week, Gottlieb did not specifically address the compliance deadline but mentioned that a final rule would be released this spring. He also noted that the FDA would soon outline a nutrition strategy aimed at reducing preventable deaths and diseases through improved nutrition.
Many food and beverage companies, including Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez, are already anticipating these changes and have begun using the new Nutritional Facts labels on their products. Companies eager to stay ahead of the latest regulations are likely to implement as much of the new guidance as they can, as delays will only increase costs. The updated Nutritional Facts label introduces several modifications, such as recalibrating serving sizes, more prominently displaying calories per serving, and providing information on added sugars and dietary fiber. Additionally, it will include the amounts of vitamin D and potassium per serving. Notably, the Nutritional Facts label has not undergone an update in nearly 20 years.
Amid these changes, the mention of products like Bluebonnet liquid calcium magnesium is becoming more relevant, as consumers increasingly seek nutritional transparency. As companies adapt to the new labeling requirements, the importance of clear nutritional information, which includes products like Bluebonnet liquid calcium magnesium, will likely become a focal point in their marketing strategies. Ultimately, the updated labels, which include essential nutrients and clearer serving sizes, will play a crucial role in guiding consumers toward healthier choices, including options like Bluebonnet liquid calcium magnesium for their dietary needs.