Despite the challenge of adapting your packaging to new FDA requirements, you can get an edge with planning your new FDA-compliant nutrition facts label. Get to know the new changes and take advantage of the opportunity to incorporate a holistic packaging solution.

Why New Label Changes are a Big Deal
Get ready for the new FDA-compliant nutrition facts label requirements. For the first time in more than 20 years, the FDA is requiring a redesign to nutrition facts labels. It is no small change either as it affects both the label elements and consideration for the size of the product packaging.

The new FDA-compliant nutrition fact label design was devised after the FDA conducted some fairly extensive research. Regulators looked at updated scientific information, new nutrition and public health research, more recent dietary recommendations from expert groups, and input from the public. They came to the conclusion that it would be easier for consumers to make better-informed food choices if a number of changes were made to nutrition fact labels.

There are some exceptions to the deadline, but most brands must meet the new requirements and have their FDA-compliant nutrition facts label in pace by July 26, 2018. Manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales are the exception to the rule. They have until July 26, 2019.

Although the deadline may seem far away, we recommend maximizing your preparedness and peace of mind by planning now. This will enable a smoother transition to the new requirements.

FDA-Compliant Nutrition Facts Label Changes
The good news is that the basic look of the label will remain the same. The more-challenging news is that manufacturers will not only need to make a whole list of changes, but they will need to re-evaluate how the product's package size is influencing consumption.

Here are the changes to consider as you transition to your updated, FDA-compliant nutrition facts label.

1. Increased type size: Labels must increase the type size used for calories, servings per container, and serving size.
2. Bolded font: Labels must also display both the number of calories and the serving size in bold font.
3. Actual amounts: Manufacturers must declare the actual amount (in addition to percent Daily Value) for vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium.
4. Updated terms: Terms must be updated, including a rewritten version of what "Daily Value" really means.
5. Inclusion of "added sugars": Manufacturers must disclose "added sugars" in both grams and as a percent of Daily Value.
6. Required nutrients: Vitamin D, potassium, calcium, and iron are all required to be on the new label. Vitamins A and C are no longer required but are permitted.
7. Disclosing fat: The term "calories from fat" is being removed as studies show the type of fat is more important than the amount.
8. Daily values for nutrients: Daily values for nutrients like sodium, dietary fiber and vitamin D are being updated based on newer scientific evidence.
9. Serving sizes: Serving sizes are being updated to be more closely-based on what people are actually eating, not what they should be eating. One example is that the reference amount used to set a serving of soda is changing from 8oz to 12oz.
10. Package size: Package size affects what people eat, and will be treated as such. For example, if consumers typically consume a 20oz soda in one sitting, the nutritional info will be required to be labeled as one serving.

For certain products that are larger than a single serving but could feasibly be consumed in one sitting or multiple sittings, brands will be required to provide "dual column" labels to indicate the nutrition info on both a "per serving" and "per package" / "per unit" basis.

An Opportunity to Do More
Whether you see these changes as a smart move, yet another regulation to keep up with, or something else, the requirement also comes with opportunity. This is the perfect time to take a step back and re-evaluate your product's packaging as a whole.

If it has been a while since your product has had a refresh, this could be the push needed to update to better reflect your brand's evolution, call out product improvements, and more.

Get Started Now
Don't wait to start planning for the new requirements. Contact MJS Packaging to get the help you need so your business can transition smoothly and capitalize on great packaging opportunities, too!