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The FDA has proposed requisition of front-of-package nutrition labels on most packaged foods to clearly display levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, aiming to support healthier choices and combat chronic diseases.
In a landmark move to support healthier eating habits and fight chronic disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule on 14 January 2025 that would require most packaged foods to display simplified nutrition information prominently on the front of the package. This proposed "Nutrition Info box" will focus on 3 key nutrients connected with chronic illness: saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
The goal of this initiative is to offer American consumers with quick, accessible information to make healthier food choices—especially at a glance in stores. The proposed “Nutrition Info box” would appear on the front of food packages, using a clear, color-free format that ranks these nutrients as “Low,” “Med,” or “High.” This user-friendly label complements the existing Nutrition Facts panel, offering at-a-glance guidance without replacing more detailed information.
Targeting a Nationwide Health Challenge
The FDA’s proposal is part of a broader government-wide initiative to address the nation’s chronic disease crisis. Currently, 60% Americans are living with at least 1 chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. These ailments are the primary causes of death and disability in the United States and cost the country $4.5 trillion annually in health care expenses.
Mounting evidence suggests that high intake of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars—nutrients often found in ultra-processed foods—contributes substantially to these conditions. The proposed labeling system is designed to assist consumers in identifying these nutrients promptly and encourage healthier choices.
Backed by Research and Public Health Strategy
The FDA’s proposal is grounded in a robust body of scientific research. In 2023, the agency carried out an experimental study incorporating nearly 10,000 U.S. adults to check how different front-of-package labels influenced their understanding of food healthfulness. The study found that a black-and-white Nutrition Info box, featuring percent Daily Value indicators for each nutrient, helped consumers make the quickest and most accurate judgments.
Implementation
If finalized, the new rule would require food manufacturers to encompass the Nutrition Info box on most packaged foods within:
The Nutrition Info box is a central piece of the White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, which aims to minimize diet-associated disorders by 2030. It complements other FDA efforts, including a revised definition of the “healthy” claim, a proposed “healthy” food symbol, and voluntary sodium reduction targets. Through such initiatives, the agency is working to create a healthier food environment and promote lifelong healthy eating patterns.
FDA News Release
FDA Proposes Requiring At-a-Glance Nutrition Information on the Front of Packaged Foods
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