This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to finalize a proposed rule on front-of-package (FOP) nutrition information within 180 days of enactment. The legislation aims to strengthen food labeling requirements to help consumers make more informed and healthier dietary choices. It addresses concerns that many Americans consume excessive amounts of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, which are linked to various health risks. The final rule must mandate FOP labels on the principal display panel of most foods intended for human consumption. These labels will clearly identify products that are "High in" added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat , using separate labels with an exclamation point icon. Furthermore, if a food contains non-nutritive sweeteners, the label must include a statement disclosing their presence and advising that they are not recommended for children, placed adjacent to any "High in" labels. Significantly, these new labeling requirements will extend to foods specifically marketed for infants through 12 months of age and children aged 1 to 4 years, excluding infant formula. The bill also directs the Secretary to establish or update Daily Reference Values and percent Daily Values for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat for these younger age groups, aligning with current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve public health outcomes by enhancing transparency and readability of crucial nutrient information on food products.
This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to finalize a proposed rule on front-of-package (FOP) nutrition information within 180 days of enactment. The legislation aims to strengthen food labeling requirements to help consumers make more informed and healthier dietary choices. It addresses concerns that many Americans consume excessive amounts of added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, which are linked to various health risks. The final rule must mandate FOP labels on the principal display panel of most foods intended for human consumption. These labels will clearly identify products that are "High in" added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat , using separate labels with an exclamation point icon. Furthermore, if a food contains non-nutritive sweeteners, the label must include a statement disclosing their presence and advising that they are not recommended for children, placed adjacent to any "High in" labels. Significantly, these new labeling requirements will extend to foods specifically marketed for infants through 12 months of age and children aged 1 to 4 years, excluding infant formula. The bill also directs the Secretary to establish or update Daily Reference Values and percent Daily Values for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat for these younger age groups, aligning with current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve public health outcomes by enhancing transparency and readability of crucial nutrient information on food products.