The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently conducting consumer studies to gather insights for its forthcoming front-of-package labels on food products. These labels were first proposed as part of President Biden’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September of last year. The FDA aims to develop a standardized and science-based scheme that will enable consumers, especially those with limited nutrition knowledge, to easily identify foods that contribute to a healthy dietary pattern.
In a recent filing on the FDA website, the agency announced this research initiative following previous focus group sessions. The new front-of-package (FOP) labels are intended to complement the existing Nutrition Facts label found on packaged foods, providing consumers with additional context to aid them in making healthier food choices. The FDA plans to implement these new label regulations by December.
The FDA’s efforts in nutrition labeling are driven by the ongoing epidemic of diet-related chronic diseases, particularly affecting racial and ethnic minority groups, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and those residing in rural areas. To combat this issue, the FDA aims to empower consumers with accurate nutrition information to help them easily identify healthier options. The consumer research being announced reinforces the agency’s commitment to this crucial area.
Upon the announcement of these plans in September, the Consumer Brands Association, a US industry body, welcomed the strategy, but emphasized the need to avoid any measures that could negatively impact consumers already struggling with higher food prices. The association advocated for incentive-based and voluntary initiatives, such as interpretive front-of-pack labeling schemes supported by extensive research, which have the potential to contribute to the shared hunger, nutrition, and health policy goals.
