The FDA Is Going to Put Nutrition Information on the Front of Food Packages—Here’s Why

A novel FDA campaign is set to introduce prominent nutrition labels at the forefront of food packaging. The primary objective of this endeavor is to provide consumers with effortless access to essential nutritional information, aiding them in making wiser dietary selections. It is worth acknowledging that while this represents a stride towards fostering consumer consciousness, the sustainability of its impact over time hinges on the implementation of extensive public nutrition education programs recommended by experts.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is launching a novel testing initiative that involves relocating nutrition labels to the front of food packaging.

Through this strategic shift from the back to the front of food packages, the FDA aims to enhance consumer access to critical insights into the nutritional content of the products they consume. This proactive approach of placing nutrition data right at the forefront of shoppers’ attention is anticipated to facilitate more educated decisions regarding their dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

The FDA emphasizes that the introduction of “front-of-package nutrition labeling is designed to complement the existing Nutrition Facts label found on packaged foods, providing consumers with supplementary information to swiftly and effortlessly identify food items that align with a healthful eating pattern.”

While the concept of displaying nutrition labels on the front of food packages is not entirely unprecedented, it has already been implemented successfully in various other countries. Empirical outcomes from these implementations indicate that this labeling approach can significantly contribute to consumers’ ability to make health-conscious choices.

This proposal aligns with the FDA’s broader commitment to tackle the escalating incidence of diet-related chronic diseases. By enhancing access to nutrition-related knowledge and insights, the FDA intends to empower consumers to readily discern nutritious options while navigating the aisles of grocery stores.

The FDA envisions launching this innovative initiative by December 2023, signaling a promising stride toward fostering informed dietary decision-making among consumers.

How to Effectively Interpret Nutrition Labels

The majority of consumers lack the necessary nutritional expertise to comprehensively decipher the information present on a nutrition label, irrespective of whether it’s situated on the front or back of a food package.

Although recent years have seen notable enhancements in nutrition label design, there remains a pronounced need for readily accessible nutritional information to cater to the broader public.

Laura Burak, MS, RD, the visionary behind GetNaked Nutrition, highlighted the prevailing reliance on internet sources for up-to-date information, where the spectrum of accuracy ranges from flawed to entirely fabricated, and in certain cases, even potentially detrimental if adhered to. Consequently, it’s unsurprising that even individuals well-versed in health-related matters often lack the acumen to proficiently interpret a nutrition label due to the absence of formal instruction.

While consumers often fixate on calorie content and the proportions of macronutrients—carbohydrates, protein, and fats—displayed on nutrition labels, they typically overlook the fact that these aspects merely scratch the surface of the label’s informational value.

Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT, emphasized the importance of factoring in serving size and the percentage of daily value for each nutrient. This consideration equips consumers with the tools to make judicious decisions regarding the nutritional significance of a specific food product.

According to Burak, the roster of ingredients merits equal scrutiny, as opposed to solely fixating on the nutritional percentages presented on the label.

“The ingredients serve as an encompassing source of insight into the nutritional caliber of a food item,” she expounded. “Quality ingredients inherently contribute to elevated levels of protein, dietary fiber, and heart-healthy fats—all of which constitute pivotal components of a health-conscious diet.”

Enhancing Consumer Choices: Placing Nutrition Labels at the Forefront of Food Packaging

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) strategic move to trial front-of-package nutrition data is grounded in prior research showcasing the potential of enhanced labeling to impact consumers’ dietary preferences.

Empirical studies underscore the influence of clear and conspicuous labels in shaping purchase choices and motivating individuals toward healthier selections.

“Research underscores the efficacy of simplified formats, color-coded indicators, and standardized symbols in effectively conveying accurate nutritional details in a concise manner,” highlighted Chun.

The introduction of front-of-package labeling is designed to complement the existing Nutrition Facts label currently present on food packages. Its objective is to furnish simplified, easily graspable nutritional insights that facilitate swift, well-informed food decisions.

However, it remains imperative to recognize that certain nutrition information holds more significance than others.

For instance, labeling a product as “fat-free” might lead individuals to perceive it as the healthier alternative, potentially disregarding the fact that fat constitutes an essential macronutrient and that certain types of fats are more beneficial than others.

Moreover, individual nutritional requirements and objectives vary. While this labeling initiative can serve as a valuable guide, individuals still need a foundational understanding of nutrition to effectively navigate their unique needs and make knowledgeable dietary choices.

Considerations Regarding Front-of-Package Labeling

An aspect of the FDA’s front-of-package strategy warrants attention due to potential concerns about how prominently displayed nutritional information might impact individuals with a history of eating disorders.

Research indicates that exposure to nutritional information can potentially evoke disordered eating behaviors among individuals with a history of such disorders.

“The conspicuous presentation of specific information, particularly concerning calorie content or distinct nutrients, could conceivably heighten anxiety or foster unhealthy behaviors within this susceptible demographic,” warned Chun.

Nutritional labels represent merely one of several triggers that individuals with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating might encounter in their daily lives. This underscores the crucial importance of these individuals collaborating with a personalized care team to candidly address triggers and cultivate effective coping mechanisms. Such proactive measures are essential irrespective of the positioning of nutrition labels on food packages.

Anticipating the Evolution of Nutrition Labels and Consumer Behavior

Experts are cautiously optimistic about the FDA’s recent proposition, envisioning a potential positive transformation in consumers’ purchasing choices.

“If concrete and well-organized information becomes readily visible on the front of product packaging, this alteration has the potential to significantly enhance people’s ability to make enlightened choices,” asserted Burak.

While dietary preferences remain inherently personal and should be respected as such, certain fundamental nutritional details bear relevance to the overall health and vitality of all individuals. Beyond the breakdown of macronutrients, the inclusion of vitamins, minerals, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar content are all crucial components of nutrition that consumers should be well-informed about.

Initiating public education on these essential data points constitutes a commendable pursuit. The move to incorporate nutrition labels on the front of food packages marks a stride toward fostering general awareness.

Chun emphasized, “Sustained success will also hinge on synergizing this trial with all-encompassing nutrition education campaigns, coupled with continuous assessment and enhancement, informed by consumer input and scientific exploration.”