Requirements for the nutrition facts label on packaged foods were updated in
2016 to help make it easier for consumers to make better informed food choices.
As a producer or seller of food products, businesses of all sizes are now
responsible for listing the contents of their products. Unfortunately, with an extensive
list of updates to the nutrition facts label, plus a global pandemic thrown into
the mix, meeting the requirements has not been an easy task for many
manufacturers over the last few years.
Although the FDA announced it would work cooperatively with
manufacturers, as of February 2021 (read more), it’s important your business is compliant and prepared
for the FDA to begin enforcing label requirements. Keep reading for a refresher on
such requirements, as well as answers to common questions and actionable steps
to ensure your nutrition labels are compliant.
The what if?
If a new customer comes into your store and purchases a
product without a label on it, how are they to know if it contains potential
allergens? If they are allergic to an ingredient that is not listed, who’s at
fault, the consumer or business? A food label with proper nutritional
information serves as insurance to the business, and also notifies the consumer
of a potential health risk. Without proper labeling, similar items can get
shuffled on a shelf and become a guessing game of what’s inside.
Who needs it?
All too often business owners believe they are too small in
production volume to require labels on their products. However, if you are
selling product to a customer that they can pick up and bring to the register,
the product must be labeled for the protection of the consumer and your
business. Proper labeling must include a product name, ingredients/allergen
statement, sell by date, and weight using a minimum of 6-point font.
Well-labeled products allow the consumer to make an educated decision on
whether the product will adversely affect their health by consuming it.
FDA Nutritional Label Changes in Effect
Manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual sales were
required to update their labels by January 1, 2020; manufacturers with less
than $10 million in annual food sales were required to update their labels by
January 1, 2021.
The FDA website provides an in-depth explanation of the new
nutrition label requirements, but for now, here are the important points
producers need to know to ensure they are on the right path to label
compliance.
Pictured above is the original nutrition
facts panel on the left and the revised
issue. Notable changes include larger
serving sizes, added sugars and a footnote defining daily value.FDA Nutrition Label Revision Explained:
Easy Access to Information
- The well-known look of the nutrition label will remain the
same, but important updates will be made to ensure consumers have all the
information they need to make mindful decisions about the food they buy. These
changes include increasing the type set size for data like calories per serving
and serving size.
- Food producers will be responsible for declaring the actual
serving amount and percent daily values like calcium, vitamin D, iron and
potassium.
- The label footnote will be revised to better define what
daily value means, “The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a
serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for
general nutrition advice.”
Serving Size vs. Package Size
- Certainly, one of the most interesting changes to the FDA
nutrition label updates is the serving size requirements. Until recently,
serving sizes were determined based on amounts of foods and beverages that
people “should” be eating. Moving forward, nutrition label updates must reflect
the amount of food people are “actually” eating. Serving sizes have changed
since they were suggested and published in 1993, with individuals eating larger
single-serving portions.
- Many packaged foods are generally consumed in a single
serving, though intended for several servings. The FDA requires packaged foods
to list nutritional information for the total consumable package, apart from
the recommended serving size. An example of multi-serving products generally
consumed in a single serving would be “Big Grab” potato chips and packaged
nuts. This new label format is termed “dual column” and aims to help consumers
better understand portion sizes.
Next Steps: Reviewing & Editing Your Labels
Reviewing your product labels may seem like a daunting task
depending on the number of items that you produce. It’s important to review any
recipes that have changed in the past, or ingredients that have been
substituted to make sure that they match on the label. Review and edit your
labels in small groups to make the process of additions and revisions much more
manageable. Here's some more tips to consider while updating your labels:
- Make sure each label is legible, ingredients should not be
hidden or use smaller than six-point font.
- MUST HAVES: product name, net weight, sell by
date, and ingredients that can be clearly read.
- Items do not have to be labeled if a product is being served
to the customer from behind/over the counter.
- Software is available that will allow you to input recipes
and ingredients to produce a nutrition fact panel. Look for software that is
compatible with your current method of printing labels.
- Shelf talkers, or product information listed on the shelf is
not a viable means of labeling products. This refers back to items being
shuffled on shelves.
- Being transparent with customers on ingredients and contents
is always a best practice.
Applying an accurate and up-to-date label to your products
will not only help you remain in good standing with the FDA, but also help
strengthen your brand and provide your customers a sense of security.
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