This bill, titled the "Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026," seeks to significantly update and strengthen food labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. A central provision introduces mandatory front-of-package interpretive nutrition information , requiring a standardized symbol system on food packaging. This system will highlight calories, added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and other key nutrients, designed to help consumers quickly assess a product's nutritional value and make healthier choices. The legislation also introduces more stringent requirements for claims made on food labels. Products making claims about whole grains, fruit, vegetables, or yogurt must now disclose the precise quantity and form of these ingredients on the principal display panel. Furthermore, the bill mandates a clearer definition for the term "natural" on labels, excluding artificial ingredients and requiring prominent explanations of its meaning. The term "healthy" will also be redefined to consider added sugars, whole grains, and sodium levels, aligning with current dietary guidelines. To improve consumer access to information, the bill requires manufacturers and importers to submit all food label data, including nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and allergen information, to the Secretary. This data will then be made available through a new public, searchable database on the Food and Drug Administration's website. This aims to provide a comprehensive and easily accessible resource for consumers to research food products. The bill addresses specific ingredient disclosures, requiring the declaration of phosphorus in the ingredient list or Nutrition Facts Panel, and the caffeine content for products containing 10 milligrams or more per serving. It also expands the definition of "major food allergens" and extends existing allergen labeling requirements to explicitly include gluten-containing grains , ensuring clearer warnings for individuals with sensitivities. Finally, the legislation extends labeling requirements to the online sale of food , mandating that all required label information be prominently displayed at the point of selection before purchase. Platforms facilitating online sales are prohibited from hindering this information or charging extra for its display. The bill also includes provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance and requires the Secretary to conduct studies and issue regulations on the legibility of food labeling and the potential health impacts of low- and no-calorie sweeteners.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-8385| House
| Updated: 4/20/2026
This bill, titled the "Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026," seeks to significantly update and strengthen food labeling requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. A central provision introduces mandatory front-of-package interpretive nutrition information , requiring a standardized symbol system on food packaging. This system will highlight calories, added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and other key nutrients, designed to help consumers quickly assess a product's nutritional value and make healthier choices. The legislation also introduces more stringent requirements for claims made on food labels. Products making claims about whole grains, fruit, vegetables, or yogurt must now disclose the precise quantity and form of these ingredients on the principal display panel. Furthermore, the bill mandates a clearer definition for the term "natural" on labels, excluding artificial ingredients and requiring prominent explanations of its meaning. The term "healthy" will also be redefined to consider added sugars, whole grains, and sodium levels, aligning with current dietary guidelines. To improve consumer access to information, the bill requires manufacturers and importers to submit all food label data, including nutrition facts, ingredient lists, and allergen information, to the Secretary. This data will then be made available through a new public, searchable database on the Food and Drug Administration's website. This aims to provide a comprehensive and easily accessible resource for consumers to research food products. The bill addresses specific ingredient disclosures, requiring the declaration of phosphorus in the ingredient list or Nutrition Facts Panel, and the caffeine content for products containing 10 milligrams or more per serving. It also expands the definition of "major food allergens" and extends existing allergen labeling requirements to explicitly include gluten-containing grains , ensuring clearer warnings for individuals with sensitivities. Finally, the legislation extends labeling requirements to the online sale of food , mandating that all required label information be prominently displayed at the point of selection before purchase. Platforms facilitating online sales are prohibited from hindering this information or charging extra for its display. The bill also includes provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance and requires the Secretary to conduct studies and issue regulations on the legibility of food labeling and the potential health impacts of low- and no-calorie sweeteners.