FDA to Include Added Sugars on Nutrition Labels

Added sugars will be singled out for the first time, according to proposed label changes from the United States Food and Drug Administration.

This is very good news for those of us, who’ve been warning people about sugar’s dangers and who’ve been trying to help people reduce their consumption of potentially harmful sweeteners.

What you’ll see are two lines of information for the total amount of sugar contained.

One line will say, “Sugars,” and another line will state “Added Sugars,” according to the FDA.

By offering information about “Added Sugars,” this will help consumers to cut back on their sugar consumption. which the U.S. government now recommends.

It’s reassuring that the FDA is now making efforts to educate consumers about of how much sugar occurs naturally in a product, and how much has been added.

Other changes you’ll see will include:

  • Updated serving sizes, which will make it clearer for products that are consumed in one sitting. (You’ll find dual column labels that indicate both “per serving” and “per package” calorie and nutrition information for larger packages that could be consumed in one sitting or multiple sittings.)
  • Calorie information will be provided in a bigger font and bolder. Serving sizes would be bold, too. (The proposed label “would drive attention to calories and serving sizes,” Michael R. Taylor, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine, said in a statement.
  • The new labels would take out Calories from Fat. (This decision was to show type of fat rather than amount so that consumers can choose products lower in saturated and trans fats.)

Changes Won’t Happen For 2 Years

Unfortunately, consumers won’t see changes right away. Food companies will have two years to comply with the new requirements, according to the FDA.

Even though this will take some time, the FDA’s plans are exciting, because they’re designed to reflect the latest scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease.

Learn about other FDA food label changes here.

Sugars on nutrition labelsSpecial thanks to Karl Tate, who created the above infographic for LiveScience.