In response to the FDA’s announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director at 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 updated Nutrition Facts label.” Initially, the FDA set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the new label’s implementation. However, in June, they announced a delay until 2020 and 2021 due to concerns from some manufacturers and trade associations about implementing changes before mandatory GMO ingredient labeling was enforced. With the availability of further FDA guidance, O’Hara believes that a compliance date in July 2019 for both small and large companies appears realistic and attainable.
Last week, Gottlieb did not address the compliance deadline but mentioned that a final rule would be released this spring. He also indicated that the FDA would outline a nutrition strategy in the upcoming weeks aimed at “reducing preventable deaths and diseases through improved nutrition.” Many food and beverage companies, such as Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez, have preemptively adapted to these changes by using the new Nutrition Facts labels on their products. Companies eager to stay ahead of these regulations will likely begin implementing as much of the new guidance as possible, as costs are expected to rise with delays.
The updated Nutrition Facts label introduces several significant modifications, including recalculated serving sizes, clearer calorie displays per serving, and additional information on added sugars and dietary fiber. Moreover, it will now feature the amounts of vitamin D and potassium per serving. Notably, the Nutrition Facts label has not been revised in nearly two decades.
In the context of calcium supplements, understanding “what is citrate in calcium” is essential, especially as consumers become more health-conscious. The updated labeling will likely include clearer information regarding calcium sources, such as citrate, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices about their dietary needs. As the industry adapts to these updates, continuing to ask “what is citrate in calcium” will help individuals better understand its role in their health and nutrition.