When managing a company in the food industry, it’s a known fact you must keep up with the FDA’s food guidelines to stay in business. Starting at the beginning of this year, the FDA released a new set of requirements for food package labeling. How will this affect customers and companies? Who has to oblige by these new laws? Here is a general outline of what the FDA will now require food packaging labels to have:
Serving Size and Calorie Count
The serving size and number of calories on food labels are now required to be in a bigger and bolder font style for increased visibility. The serving size now has a specific unit of measurements as well. This is to help the consumer better understand the appropriate amount to consume per portion.
Amount of Nutrients
Now, it is required that food labels have the “actual amounts declared” for each nutrient. For example, previously the amount of iron was labeled at 45%. Now labels must specify if there is 45% iron, it is equivalent to 8 mg.
Sugar
Before, the amount of naturally occurring sugars and added sugars were presented in one number. Now, the FDA is requiring to specify how many grams of added sugars are in a product that differs from the naturally occurring sugars. Since it has been proven how bad process sugars are for the human body, the FDA felt as though more information would need to be available for consumers.
To see all the changes the FDA is now requiring food labels to have, click here.
At Pioneer Packaging, we know the importance of maintaining the highest quality food and beverage packaging to meet the FDA requirements. We partner with you to take the stress out of food packaging. Contact us to learn more about getting the most for your money with food and beverage packaging.