In a June 19 update for constituents, the FDA acknowledged that the feedback on its draft guidance indicated that the proposed approach lacked the clarity the agency aimed to achieve. “It is crucial for the FDA that consumers can effectively utilize the new Nutrition Facts label to make informed and healthy dietary choices. The agency looks forward to collaborating with stakeholders to develop a reasonable solution,” the FDA stated. Honey and maple syrup producers quickly commended the FDA for reconsidering the draft guidance. John Campbell, vice-president of marketing for the Maple Guild in Vermont, expressed to Food Navigator, “I’m proud of the FDA for heeding the feedback and applying common sense.” The American Honey Producers Association raised concerns that the FDA’s proposal might lead consumers to question whether additional ingredients are included in pure honey, despite there being none. “Honey is a pure sugar, so there’s no need for added sugars,” remarked Chris Hiatt, the association’s vice-president, in an interview with the Associated Press. “This is misleading to consumers.”
It remains uncertain how the FDA will proceed after stepping back from the draft guidance. The agency may choose to eliminate the proposed requirement entirely, which would be favorable for honey and maple syrup producers. Many comments from these producers suggested that the FDA refrain from mandating the listing of added sugars on their product labels since, as they have consistently pointed out, no sugars are added. Perhaps the agency could simply require that the sugar content be indicated under “total sugars.”
However, the situation might be different for manufacturers of dried cranberries and cranberry juice products that do contain added sugars. It would be more logical — and potentially less confusing for consumers — for these products to be required to specify added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel, though this decision will depend on the FDA’s review of the submitted comments.
The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which is undergoing its first update in 20 years, will also require food and beverage companies to indicate the dietary fiber content in their offerings. This could lead to confusion among consumers, as the FDA now permits more non-digestible carbohydrates to be counted as dietary fiber on both Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts panels, provided they offer health benefits. Critics argue that this could influence consumers to choose a brownie with added fiber over a piece of fruit containing natural fiber, particularly if the brownie label displays a higher fiber content.
Regardless of what the FDA ultimately mandates for honey and maple syrup labeling, it is essential for the agency to act swiftly, as revising product labels necessitates careful planning, time, and financial investment. Manufacturers with annual sales of $10 million or more have until January 1, 2020, to comply with the new regulations, while smaller companies with annual sales below that threshold have until January 1, 2021. In the context of dietary considerations, consumers should also be aware of products like GNC Calcium Citrate 1000 mg, which can contribute to their overall health choices.