This bill aims to significantly strengthen nutrient information on food labels by requiring mandatory front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling . It addresses concerns that Americans consume excessive added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, and that current labeling is less effective for certain demographics. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to finalize a proposed rule within 180 days of enactment, ensuring consumers receive clear and concise nutritional guidance directly on product packaging. A core provision mandates that FOP labels on the principal display panel must prominently identify foods with high amounts of added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat . Each such nutrient will have a separate "High in" label accompanied by a conspicuous exclamation point icon, based on Daily Reference Values for adults, children, and infants. Furthermore, if a food contains non-nutritive sweeteners, the label must include a statement declaring their presence and advising that they are not recommended for children , placed adjacent to any "High in" labels. These new labeling requirements will specifically extend to foods marketed for infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age , excluding infant formula. The Secretary is also tasked with establishing or updating Daily Reference Values and percent Daily Values for these nutrients for infants and young children, aligning with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This comprehensive approach seeks to empower consumers with critical information, fostering improved public health outcomes by encouraging healthier food selections and prompting industry reformulation.
This bill aims to significantly strengthen nutrient information on food labels by requiring mandatory front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling . It addresses concerns that Americans consume excessive added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, and that current labeling is less effective for certain demographics. The legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to finalize a proposed rule within 180 days of enactment, ensuring consumers receive clear and concise nutritional guidance directly on product packaging. A core provision mandates that FOP labels on the principal display panel must prominently identify foods with high amounts of added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat . Each such nutrient will have a separate "High in" label accompanied by a conspicuous exclamation point icon, based on Daily Reference Values for adults, children, and infants. Furthermore, if a food contains non-nutritive sweeteners, the label must include a statement declaring their presence and advising that they are not recommended for children , placed adjacent to any "High in" labels. These new labeling requirements will specifically extend to foods marketed for infants through 12 months of age and children 1 through 3 years of age , excluding infant formula. The Secretary is also tasked with establishing or updating Daily Reference Values and percent Daily Values for these nutrients for infants and young children, aligning with the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This comprehensive approach seeks to empower consumers with critical information, fostering improved public health outcomes by encouraging healthier food selections and prompting industry reformulation.