FDA Proposes New “At-A-Glance” Nutrition Labels for U.S. Food Products

Proposed front-of-package labels are part of FDA effort to combat chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Amid rising concerns about potential risks posed by ultra-processed foods and the accuracy of certain “health food” marketing claims, federal regulators have announced plans to require the food industry to place nutrition labels on the front of food products, to help consumers better assess the ingredients and the impact they may have on their health.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed Front-of-Package (FOP) nutrition labels, also known as a “Nutrition Info Box,” on January 14, which would feature a clear, easy-to-read format highlighting key details such as the amounts of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars in most packaged foods.

The info box will tell the consumer if there are “High”, “Med” or “Low” levels of those three nutrients, based on the percentage of daily value in one serving. The traditional nutrition labels, with more detailed information, would remain in place, the agency indicates.

The FDA says the proposed FOP labels are part of an effort to combat major chronic diseases, like diabetes, heart disease and cancer, which are often caused by the quality of food Americans consumer. The agency indicates at least 60% of Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease, and that saturated fat, added sugar and sodium are major contributors to those diseases.

“The science of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars is clear,” the FDA Commissioner, Dr. Robert M. Califf, said in an agency press release. “Nearly everyone knows or cares for someone with a chronic disease that is due, in part, to the food we eat. It is time we make it easier for consumers to glance, grab and go.”

The agency indicates the decision came following a large amount of research, including scientific literature reviews, consumer focus groups, and an experimental study of nearly 10,000 U.S. adults, which looked at different potential layouts of the FOPs, resulting in the FDA’s ultimate selection.

If finalized, packaged food manufacturers with annual sales of $10 million or more would have to add the info box within three years of the effective date. Those with less than $10 million in annual sales would have an additional year.

The FDA is accepting public comment on the proposed rule until May 16, 2025.

Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the health impacts of processed and ultra-processed foods, which previous research has linked to an increased risk of irritable bowel syndrome, heart attacks and strokes, and increased risk of early death.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are products made from heavily refined ingredients and additives designed to mimic the taste, appearance and texture of natural foods, including items like sugary cereals, snack chips and frozen meals. While additives such as emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners and preservatives enhance taste and shelf life, they offer little to no nutritional value.

Recent studies have highlighted how the chemical processes and additives used in ultra-processed foods can lead to metabolic disruptions, chronic inflammation and other physiological changes, significantly increasing the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases, particularly in children.

In December, one of the first ultra-processed foods lawsuits was filed against several major food manufacturers. The lawsuit claims that deceptive marketing and unfair business practices led the plaintiff to regularly consume processed foods, ultimately causing him to develop type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Ultra-processed food lawyers are now actively investigating claims for families of children who were under the age of 18 when they were diagnosed with childhood type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or other chronic health conditions.