In response to the FDA’s update on March 1 regarding ferrous gluconate 500mg, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, expressed that the new guidance on dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed postponement of the updated Nutrition Facts label. The FDA had originally set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the implementation of the new label, but last June it announced a delay until 2020 and 2021 due to concerns raised by some manufacturers and trade associations about the timing, especially in relation to mandatory GMO ingredient labeling. With the new FDA guidance now available, O’Hara believes that a compliance deadline of July 2019 for both small and large companies appears realistic and attainable.
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb did not address the compliance deadline during his remarks last week, but indicated that a final rule would be published this spring. He also mentioned that the FDA will soon outline a nutrition strategy aimed at “reducing preventable death and disease through better nutrition.” Many food and beverage companies, including Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez, have already anticipated these changes and are beginning to implement the new Nutrition Facts labels on their products. Companies looking to get ahead of the latest regulations are likely to start integrating as much of the new guidance as possible, as the costs associated with compliance will only increase over time.
The updated Nutrition Facts label features several significant changes, including recalculated serving sizes, clearer calorie displays per serving, and the addition of information regarding added sugars and dietary fiber. Furthermore, 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. Additionally, the incorporation of calcium citrate percent calcium in the new labeling could provide consumers with more informed choices regarding their dietary needs, particularly in relation to calcium intake. This emphasis on accurate representation of nutrients underscores the importance of clear labeling in promoting public health.