Over the past two decades, the amount of calories and serving sizes that Americans consume have increased dramatically. To better reflect their current eating habits, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed changes to the nutrition labels found on food packaging.
In its redesigned labels, several food information has been enlarged, and its serving sizes increased to reflect the eating habits of Americans today.
For example, the serving size listed on cartons of ice cream will be increased from half a cup, to one whole cup—reflecting the amount of ice cream people generally eat.
Design wise, the labels will feature larger and bolder text for easier reading. The percent daily values has been shifted from the right to the left and there will also be a new line for information about added sugars, which the FDA hopes will better inform consumers on “one of the leading causes of obesity in America”.
According to FDA’s deputy commissioner of foods Michael Taylor, he estimates the redesign labels will cost about US$2 billion and will take at least two years to implement, but it would provide $30 billion in health benefits in the long run.
“Things like the size of a muffin have changed so dramatically,” said FDA commissioner Dr Margaret Hamburg. “It is important that the information on the nutrition fact labels reflect the realities in the world today.”
To read more about the proposed redesign, please click here.
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