A side-by-side comparison (shown below) of the original label and the new label has been made available.
The following are key updates of the new Nutrition Facts label:
- “Calories” and “Servings” will be highlighted in order to stand out more
- Single servings will be altered to reflect amounts Americans actually eat
- Grams and percent daily values (%DV) will be specified for “added sugars”
- “Dual column” showing “per serving” and “per package” nutrition information for products that might be consumed in one sitting, despite being multiple servings
- Packages that are between 1 and 2 servings (like a 20-oz soda) will be labeled as 1 servings since they are typically consumed in one sitting
- Updated %DV for nutrients like sodium, dietary fiber, and vitamin D
- Grams of vitamin D and potassium (in addition to %DV) as some people have deficiencies of these nutrients
- Vitamins A and C %DV no longer required because deficiencies are rare
- “Calories from fat” will be removed due to research showing type of fat is more significant than the amount
Over the next two years the labels will be updated, with most companies required to have completed the shift by July 2018. An additional year to comply will be granted to manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual sales.
The update has been viewed favorably by many for making it easier for consumers to better understand the actual health implications of the food they eat, thus improving their ability to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. We’re happy to see this improvement, but still acknowledge that there are many more steps to go towards achieving transparency in the food industry.
What do you think? Are you pleased with new Nutrition Facts label? Let us know!
