Tag: Front of package labeling

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a new rule that would require front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels detailing levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. These three nutrients are commonly overconsumed by Americans and are directly linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The new labels are designed to provide consumers with easily digestible information at a glance, complementing the detailed Nutrition Facts panel typically found on the back of food packaging.

According to a 2019 FDA survey, only 63% of respondents could accurately interpret the % Daily Value on food labels, and this lack of understanding contributes to why front of box labels are often criticized by nutrition experts. These critiques stem from the labels' simplified, marketing-driven approach that can obscure the true nutritional quality of a product.