Mandatory Additions: Added Sugars, Vitamin D, and Potassium
The 2018 updates significantly altered the Nutrition Facts panel by adding key components, aligning the label with current scientific understanding and public health priorities. The FDA mandated these additions to help consumers address common dietary shortcomings and limit intake of nutrients linked to negative health outcomes.
The Inclusion of Added Sugars
The label now requires “Added Sugars” to be listed in grams and as a percent Daily Value (%DV). This helps consumers distinguish between naturally occurring sugars and those added during processing, such as syrups and honey. This change addresses high added sugar consumption in the U.S., which can make meeting nutritional needs difficult within recommended calorie limits. The %DV for added sugars provides a clear measure of a product's contribution to daily intake, as scientific evidence suggests reducing added sugar can aid weight management and lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D and Potassium Are Now Required
Vitamins A and C are no longer mandatory, as deficiencies are rare. Vitamin D and potassium were added to the required list because many Americans don't consume enough of these essential nutrients.
- Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption and bone strength, Vitamin D helps reduce osteoporosis risk. The unit of measure also changed from IU to micrograms (mcg).
- Potassium: Crucial for blood pressure regulation and fluid balance, potassium helps counterbalance high sodium intake.
The actual amounts in addition to the %DV must be listed for Vitamin D and potassium.
Label Formatting and Servings
The 2018 update also included changes to the visual design and serving size rules to improve clarity and accuracy.
Larger and Bolder Text
To make essential information more noticeable, “Calories,” “servings per container,” and “Serving Size” are now in larger, bolder text.
Serving Sizes Are More Realistic
Serving sizes are now based on actual consumption data rather than manufacturer suggestions. Examples include an increased serving size for ice cream and considering a 20-ounce soda a single serving. This provides a more accurate reflection of calorie and nutrient intake per occasion.
Dual-Column Labels for Multi-Serving Packages
Packages that contain more than one serving but may be consumed at once now require a dual-column label.
Information That Was Removed or Modified
Some information was removed or altered to make the panel more effective.
'Calories from Fat' is Removed
“Calories from Fat” was removed because the type of fat is considered more important for health than the total amount. Information on total fat, saturated fat, and trans fat remains.
A New Footnote
The footnote explaining the Percent Daily Value (%DV) was updated for better understanding. {Link: FDA https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}.
Old vs. New Nutrition Facts Panel: A Comparison
| Feature | Old Label (pre-2018) | New Label (2018 and later) |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | Based on manufacturer suggestions | Based on what people actually eat |
| Calories | Standard text size | Larger, bolded text |
| 'Calories from Fat' | Included | Removed |
| Added Sugars | Not separately listed; included in 'Sugars' | Separately listed with grams and %DV |
| Vitamin D | Optional | Mandatory; listed in mcg with %DV |
| Potassium | Optional | Mandatory; listed in mg with %DV |
| Vitamins A and C | Mandatory | Optional |
| Dual-Column Labels | Not required | Required for some package sizes |
How These Changes Impact You as a Consumer
These updates, based on scientific research, aim to make labels easier to use. The inclusion of added sugars allows for better decisions about sweetened products. Mandating Vitamin D and potassium highlights key nutrients often lacking in diets. Updated serving sizes and dual-column labels offer a more realistic view of nutrient and calorie intake. The core benefit is improved data quality for healthier choices. The official FDA guidelines provide further information(https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/changes-nutrition-facts-label).
Conclusion
The 2018 Nutrition Facts panel updates, requiring components like added sugars, Vitamin D, and potassium, represent a significant change in food labeling. {Link: FDA website https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/changes-nutrition-facts-label}.
