New Features of Nutrition Labels You Need to Know About – II
In the previous post, we have discussed the new makeover of the nutrition labels. In this post, we will continue discussing the additional information that new nutrition labels will carry.
Additional Features of Nutrition Labels
The following are some additional features of nutrition labels that food manufacturers are required to follow:
- Narrowed Range of Dietary Fiber: The definition of dietary fiber has been narrowed to two types. The dietary fiber is defined as “plant lignins and insoluble carbohydrates.” This term is also applicable to synthetic and isolated non-digestible carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are known to benefit humans. The new definition basically involves two types of fibers – psyllium husk and glucan soluble fiber because they are supported by authorized claims. However, companies can approach the FDA to include additional fibers to their list. However, they need to submit valid proofs in support of their claims.
- Folate and Folic Acid Clarification: Under the pre-existing FDA regulations, manufacturers could use the terms folic acid and folacin to indicate folate in their convenience as well as dietary supplements. The new regulation rules out the word folacin and folic acid, which is usually added in parentheses after the term folate on the existing nutrition labels. The new labels should include both the terms – folic acid and folate.
- Redefined Final Serving Rule: The Final Serving Size rule allows manufacturers to use a dual-column label for single-serving products. This rule is applicable to products, which possess multiple wrapped units in a single container.
- Labeling of Foods for Young Children, Infants, and Pregnant, or Lactating Women: The FDA has bifurcated the current category of infants and children under the age of 4 into two categories 1) Infants – 7 to12 months, and 2) Children – 1 to 3 years. Manufacturers need to label food products for children and infants under 4 years, but no specific DV is set for infants. Also, the final rule requires a clear declaration of cholesterol and saturated fat for children and infants between 1 and 3 years of age. This will help consumers to make informed nutrition decisions for their infants and children.
In short, the new label is consistent with the recommendations placed by the Institute of Medicine as well as the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Are you looking for a reliable designer for new nutrition labels? You can approach the Performance Label Company (PLC), which has been supplying FDA mandated nutrition labels to many big food manufacturers in the US.
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