Summary#
This bill would change federal rules about food labels. It would require a standardized front-of-package symbol that shows calories and highlights added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and other nutrients the Secretary of Health and Human Services chooses. It would require clearer statements about whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and yogurt on the front of packages. The bill would add rules for use of the words "natural" and "healthy," set formatting standards for ingredient lists and principal display text, and require phosphorus and caffeine amounts to be declared in specific places on labels. It would expand allergen rules to include gluten-containing grains and allow the Secretary to add more major food allergens. The bill would require manufacturers or importers to submit label information to the FDA and would create a public online database of label information. It would set rules for online food sales so required label information is shown at the online point of selection. The bill also directs studies and reports (for example on sweeteners, corn masa flour fortification, and label legibility), changes standards of identity for some foods, and sets penalties for certain violations. Many provisions require the FDA to issue proposed regulations within 1 year and finalize them within 2 years, and most requirements would start 3 years after enactment.
What it means for you#
- Consumers would see a consistent front-of-package symbol on many foods that highlights calories and certain nutrients.
- Products that advertise whole grain, fruit, vegetable, or yogurt content would need clear statements of how much of those ingredients are present.
- Ingredient lists would be formatted to be easier to read (font size, contrast, bullets).
- Phosphorus and caffeine amounts would need specific label placements for many foods.
- Allergen labeling rules would cover gluten-containing grains and could add other allergens.
- When buying food online, nutrition, ingredient, and allergen information must be available and visible at the moment you select a product.
- The FDA would publish a searchable public database of submitted label information.
Expenses#
- The bill sets civil penalties for certain violations (examples in the bill include up to $10,000 per day for some violations and up to $1,000,000 total in a single proceeding).
- The bill requires studies, reports, and rulemaking by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the FDA, but it does not include an appropriation or provide a federal cost estimate in the text provided. No publicly available information on overall government implementation costs or savings is included in the bill text.
Proponents' View#
- The bill text states goals that regulations and labeling changes should help consumers quickly understand a product's contribution to a healthy diet, be consistent with the Nutrition Facts Panel and Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and facilitate selection of healthier options. It directs consumer education and evaluation of the front-of-package system and asks the Secretary to consider consumer understanding when defining terms like "natural."
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.