On May 20, 2016 the FDA announced a new format for the Nutrition Facts panel found on consumer packaged goods. After 20 years of the Nutrition Facts panel remaining unchanged, the FDA is making the move to address changing nutritional concerns within the US population. Manufacturers of food products making $10 million in sales or more will have until January 1, 2020 to comply with the new label while manufacturers of food with less than $10 million in sales will have until January 1, 2021 to comply.
What are the differences in the new label? Easier to read information such as larger type face for calories and the serving size declaration are making their debut. Nutrients that have not previously been addressed, such as Vitamin D and potassium, have been added as well as “added sugars.” Lastly, reference amounts for serving sizes have been updated in order to reflect real consumption.
Of most concern to food manufactures is the new labeling of “Added Sugars.” There is much confusion over what is considered an added sugar by both manufacturers and consumers. The FDA defines added sugar as, “sugars that are either added during the processing of foods, or are packaged as such, and includes sugars (free, mono- and disaccharides), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices that are in excess of what would be expected from the same volume of 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice of the same type.” In layman’s terms, added sugars is anything that is not naturally found in a product.
Examples of “Added Sugars”:
• An RTD Tea product sweetened with honey – honey is an added sugar
• An All Natural Health Beverage sweetened with fruit juice concentrate – the juice concentrate is an added sugar
• Organic Muffins sweetened with agave nectar – the agave nectar is an added sugar
When in doubt if something should be labeled as “Added Sugar” make sure to always check with your food science or FDA regulatory specialist to ensure you have the most up to date information.
**References: www.FDA.Gov – Nutrition Panel Guidance; “Guide to New Food Labels and Added Sugars.” www.bestfoodfacts.org.