FDA proposes front of package nutrition label for most packaged foods

On January 14, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposed rule¹ for nutrition labeling on the front of food packaging. If finalized, the rule would require companies to display a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition label on their products. The impetus behind the proposed change, says FDA, is the epidemic of preventable diet-related diseases in the US, which could be alleviated by better nutrition and making healthier food choices.

The new label, called the “Nutrition Info box,” will display the product’s saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars content and interpret the content as “Low,” “Med,” or “High” alongside the numerical description. The label is intended to provide at-a-glance information for consumers to identify foods that are part of a healthy diet. Consumers would also be able to compare products’ nutrition quickly.

According to current dietary guidelines, these three nutrients are recommended to be limited in order to maintain a nutrient-dense diet within calorie limits "The science on saturated fat, sodium and added sugars is clear," stated FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., in a January 14, 2025 press release². "Nearly everyone knows or cares for someone with a chronic disease that is due, in part, to the food we eat. It is time we make it easier for consumers to glance, grab and go. Adding front-of-package nutrition labeling to most packaged foods would do that. We are fully committed to pulling all the levers available to the FDA to make nutrition information readily accessible as part of our efforts to promote public health."

As described in the press release, 60% of Americans have at least one chronic disease – which include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes – and research has indicated that excessive consumption of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars is a significant contributor, and foods with high levels of these three nutrients are prolific in the nation’s food supply.

"Food should be a vehicle for wellness, not a contributor of chronic disease," added FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones, in the press release. "In addition to our goal of providing information to consumers, it's possible we'll see manufacturers reformulate products to be healthier in response to front-of-package nutrition labeling. Together, we hope the FDA's efforts, alongside those of our federal partners, will start stemming the tide of the chronic disease crisis in our country."

In its announcement, the FDA provided Related Resources and a factsheet for consumers. It also noted the growth of FOP labelling around the world.

In November 2023, the Reagan-Udall Foundation hosted a public meeting to provide an overview of the rule. Additionally, over the past few years, FDA has conducted research and published reports before forming the FOP proposal, stating that the studies indicated that the current label design was the most helpful for consumers in selecting healthier options.

A comment period for the proposed rule is open until May 16, 2025. With the new rule, companies with $10 million in annual food sales would be required to add the Nutrition Info box within three years of its date of effect, or within four years for businesses with less than $10 million in annual food sales.

Other recent FDA developments have focused on other aspects of consumer products. In December 2024, FDA issued its final rule updating the “healthy” nutrient content claim to include limits to certain nutrients – including on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar – and identified foods that are consistent with Dietary Guidelines. Additionally, the FDA recently revoked authorization for using Red No. 3, noting studies that demonstrated the synthetic food dye caused cancer in rats.

References

1. US Food and Drug Administration. Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/front-package-nutrition-labeling (accessed 2025-01-22).
2. US Food an Drug Administration. FDA Proposes Requiring At-a-Glance Nutrition Information on the Front of Packaged Foods, PR Newswire https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fda-proposes-requiring-at-a-glance-nutrition-information-on-the-front-of-packaged-foods-302350609.html (accessed 2025-01-22).