There has been ongoing discussion about the necessity of front-of-pack labeling on food products for many years. In 2011, the Consumer Brands Association—previously known as the Grocery Manufacturers Association—and the Food Industry Association (FMI) introduced their voluntary Facts Up Front program. This initiative has been adopted by several manufacturers to inform consumers about the calories, saturated fat, sodium, total sugars, and potentially beneficial nutrients per serving. The FDA backed this initiative, stating that the structure “may contribute to FDA’s public health goals,” as reported in a 2012 article by Food Navigator.
In August, the Center for Science in the Public Interest collaborated with the Association of SNAP Nutrition Education Administrators and the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists to petition the FDA for a requirement of simple front-of-pack nutritional labels similar to those used in other countries. According to a statement from CSPI, behavioral research indicates that Facts Up Front labeling does not significantly influence consumer choices. A study conducted last year by the research platform found that only 9% of consumers could identify the healthiest option among six cereal bars using front-of-pack labeling. CSPI’s release suggests that simpler, clearer, and mandatory labeling could potentially serve this purpose more effectively.
The FDA is currently working to evaluate this matter. Supporting documents available in the Federal Register indicate that some of the designs being tested closely resemble Facts Up Front, with some being monochromatic and others employing “traffic light” colors to indicate whether a product is high or low in saturated fat, sugar, or sodium, as well as fiber and calcium. Additionally, there are small “Nutrition Tips” boxes that resemble a condensed version of the back-of-package Nutrition Facts, utilizing words, colors, quantities, or percentages to convey the nutritional content of a product. Furthermore, there are small “High In” boxes that inform consumers about the undesirable nutrients present in large amounts.
While front-of-pack labeling may require a revamp to better meet consumer needs, current methods have shown effectiveness in one area. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Marketing, which examined 21,096 products utilizing Facts Up Front, found a correlation between front-of-pack labeling and enhanced nutritional quality. The FDA is also exploring another front-of-packaging initiative by assessing the effectiveness of a “healthy” symbol that could quickly inform consumers if a product meets the FDA’s definition of healthiness.
However, while studies are crucial, they do not always translate into actions. It is evident that the process of implementing front-of-pack labeling is beginning; nevertheless, significant questions remain regarding the findings of these studies and whether they will prompt actual changes. Additionally, as consumers seek options like sundown calcium citrate for their dietary needs, the clarity and effectiveness of front-of-pack labeling will be paramount in guiding their choices. Ultimately, the evolution of labeling must consider consumer behavior and the growing interest in products containing beneficial ingredients such as sundown calcium citrate.