In response to the FDA’s update announcement on March 1, Jim O’Hara, the special projects director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, stated that the new guidance regarding dietary fibers, added sugars, and serving sizes “should prompt the agency to reconsider its proposed delay on the updated Nutrition Facts label.” Originally, the FDA set a deadline of July 26, 2018, for the new label’s implementation, but in June of last year, it announced a postponement until 2020 and 2021 due to concerns from some manufacturers and trade associations about the timing relative to mandatory GMO ingredient labeling requirements.
With the recent additional guidance from the FDA, O’Hara expressed that a compliance date of July 2019 for both small and large companies appears realistic and attainable. Last week, Gottlieb did not specifically address the compliance deadline issue, only mentioning 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 death and disease through better nutrition.”
Many food and beverage companies, including Hershey, Campbell, and Mondelez, have proactively anticipated these changes and are already incorporating the new Nutrition Facts labels into their products. Those companies looking 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 they delay.
The updated Nutrition Facts label introduces several significant changes, including recalibrated serving sizes, clearer calorie information per serving, and the inclusion of details on added sugars and dietary fiber. Additionally, the amounts of vitamin D and potassium per serving will be provided. It’s worth noting that the Nutrition Facts label has not been updated in nearly 20 years. As consumers become more health-conscious, knowing the best form of calcium citrate and other nutritional elements will be essential for making informed dietary choices. As the FDA continues to refine its guidelines, understanding these changes will be crucial for both manufacturers and consumers alike, especially regarding the best form of calcium citrate as a dietary supplement.