FDA Proposes Nutrition Label Makeover

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to propose a revamp of its nutrition labels. It has been approximately two decades since any changes have been made.

The existing nutrition label has been used since the early 1990s and includes nutrients listed in grams, which puzzle many consumers. Add to that, it often lists other substances that many are unfamiliar with.

"There's a feeling that nutrition labels haven't been as effective as they should be," said Michael Jacobson of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, via the Associated Press (AP). "When you look at the label, there are roughly two dozen numbers of substances that people aren't intuitively familiar with."

Other issues involving the same things can be said of fat content. While doctors had previously told consumers to stay away from diets heavy in fat, suggestions for nutrition have changed. Unfortunately, current nutrition labels continue to highlight fat content that often neglects nutrition information that could be particularly important-such as natural versus artificial sugar content.

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs carries the summary of the rule on its website. Here is more information regarding the anticipated costs and benefits of the new rule: "If finalized, this rule will affect all foods that are currently required to bear nutrition labeling. It will have a significant cost to industry because all food labels will have to be updated. Much of the information currently provided on the Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts labels is based on old reference values and scientific information. The proposed changes would provide more current information to assist consumers in constructing a healthful diet. The potential benefit from the proposed rule stems from the improvement in diet among the U.S. population. Diet is a significant factor in the reduction in risk of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke, diabetes, and obesity."

The new proposed rule has already been sent to the White House, with full details to come with a public proposal by March 20.