Reform Content
The FDA’s new front-of-package labeling proposal aims to make it easier for consumers to access nutrition information. (Image source: FDA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a major reform plan to move the Nutrition Facts label to the upper front panel of packaged foods. The proposal received over 11,000 public comments, making it one of the most widely discussed policy issues.
According to the FDA, the new label will emphasize three nutrients linked to chronic diseases when consumed in excess — saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Each will be rated as “low,” “medium,” or “high,” helping consumers make healthier choices through visual cues.
Industry Concerns
Food industry lawyers and package designers have voiced concerns that the change will occupy valuable packaging space and significantly impact brand identity. The Consumer Brands Association (CBA) noted that the industry had voluntarily adopted the “Facts Up Front” labeling system 15 years ago and wishes to continue using it.
A CBA consumer survey conducted in May 2025 found that 90% of U.S. consumers are familiar with “Facts Up Front” and rely on it when making purchasing decisions. CBA President Melissa Hockstad emphasized that the findings show consumers trust factual nutrition data on packaging and actively use it to guide their purchases.
Industry Alternatives
The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) offered several recommendations in its formal comments to the FDA:
Broaden nutrient scope — Focusing only on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars is insufficient. FMI suggested including calories on the front-of-pack label and allowing additional nutrients to be added if necessary.
Design adjustments — FMI proposed placing the label in the lower third rather than the upper third of the package to preserve brand visibility and ensure enough space for full information. It also recommended replacing vague terms like “medium” with specific numeric values.
Implementation Timeline
If finalized, food manufacturers with annual sales exceeding USD 10 million would be required to update packaging within three years after the rule takes effect. Smaller companies below that threshold would have an additional year (four years total) to comply.
FDA’s Position
Robin McKinnon, Acting Director of the FDA’s Center for Nutrition Excellence, highlighted that nutrition-related chronic diseases have become a pressing national concern, accounting for a large share of the U.S.’s $4.5 trillion annual healthcare expenditure.
Jim Jones, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, stated:
“Food should be a tool for promoting health, not a driver of chronic disease.”
He added that displaying key nutrition information on the front of packages will encourage food manufacturers to reformulate products and help consumers make healthier choices.
Global Impact
The reform of U.S. food packaging nutrition labeling is expected to influence Japan and other countries worldwide. Experts believe that constructive dialogue and in-depth discussion between regulators and industry will lead to better regulations, and hope that all parties will prioritize consumer health in advancing this significant reform.
