U.S. FDA Proposes Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling Rules for Packaged Foods

The U.S. FDA aims to introduce a "Nutrition Info box” on packaged foods to highlight key nutrients, including saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, to help consumers make healthier choices at a glance. This "Nutrition Info box” aims to tackle diet-related diseases and could become a landmark policy, as impactful as the Nutrition Facts label.

On January 14, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule to implement a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling system. Any comments can be submitted electronically on http://www.regulations.gov by May 16, 2025.

The proposal mandates that most packaged foods display a FOP nutrition label, referred to as the "Nutrition Info box." This label is designed to complement the existing Nutrition Facts label by presenting simplified, at-a-glance information about a food's saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar content. These nutrients will be categorized as "Low," "Med," or "High" to align with federal dietary guidelines that recommend limiting their intake for a healthier, nutrient-dense diet.

Although the "Nutrition Info box" will not include calorie information, manufacturers may voluntarily display calories on the front of the package under existing FDA regulations. The new labeling aims to help consumers compare similar foods and make more informed decisions. For instance, when choosing between yogurts, the Nutrition Info box can highlight options with lower added sugar content.

Enterprises will have three to four years to comply, depending on their annual food sales, once the final rule takes effect.

Three years: businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales
Four years: businesses with less than $10 million in annual food sales

The FDA anticipates that this initiative will empower consumers to build healthier diets and reduce the prevalence of chronic illnesses linked to poor nutrition.