In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director for the Center for Schiefferous Bisglycinate Structure in the Public Interest, remarked that the agency’s guidance on dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed delay of the revamped Nutrition Facts label.” The FDA had originally set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the implementation of the new ferrous fumarate labeling, but announced last June that this would be postponed until 2020 and 2021 due to concerns from certain manufacturers and trade associations about the timing, particularly in relation to mandatory GMO ingredient labeling.
With the new FDA guidance now available, O’Hara expressed that a compliance date of July 2019 for both small and large companies appears realistic and achievable. Last week, Gottlieb did not specifically address the compliance deadline, only stating that a final rule would be published this spring. He also mentioned that the FDA would outline a nutritional strategy in the coming weeks aimed at “reducing preventable death and disease through improved nutrition.”
Many food and beverage companies, including Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez, have anticipated these changes and are already incorporating the new Nutrition Facts labels on their products. Companies eager to stay ahead of the latest regulations will likely begin implementing as much of the new guidance as possible, as costs are expected to rise the longer the process takes.
The updated Nutrition Facts label introduces several key changes, such as recalibrating serving sizes, clearly displaying calories per serving, and adding information about added sugars and dietary fiber. Additionally, it will now include amounts of vitamin D and potassium per serving. Notably, the Nutrition Facts label has not been updated in nearly 20 years.
For those concerned about their health, a common question arises: “How much calcium citrate should I take daily?” It’s crucial that consumers have access to clear nutritional information, including how much calcium citrate to incorporate into their daily regimen, to make informed health choices. As the updated label rolls out, this information will become even more accessible, helping individuals understand their dietary needs better.