Revolutionizing Food Labeling: How the FDA is Enhancing Transparency and Consumer Trust in the U.S.

In September 2022, President Biden held the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. At this event, the administration introduced a National Strategy aimed at improving nutrition and health across the country. A key part of this strategy is making food labels clearer and more helpful for consumers. Before the change in administration in January 2025, the FDA took steps to update food labeling practices based on this strategy.

One significant proposal from the FDA is for a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition label. Published on January 16, 2025, the proposed rule would require a “Nutrition Info” box on packaged foods. This box would highlight the Daily Value percentages for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. It aims to help consumers understand how much of these nutrients they are consuming. The label would also indicate whether the amounts of these nutrients are low, medium, or high. While calorie counts won’t be mandatory on the front, manufacturers can choose to include them.

This proposal differs from the National Strategy’s suggestions for using imagery, like star ratings or traffic light systems. Focus groups indicated that these imagery systems confused some shoppers. The FDA decided that a straightforward text format would be more effective in helping people make better food choices. Comments on this proposed rule are welcome until May 16, 2025, and if approved, many manufacturers would have three years to comply.

However, the future of this proposal is uncertain due to changes with the Trump administration. Newly appointed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stated his focus is on improving public health, but he did not discuss food labeling in his confirmation hearings. It’s unclear how his plans will impact the proposed rule.

In another major move, the FDA finalized rules regarding the use of the term “healthy” in food labeling. As of December 27, 2024, the FDA updated the criteria for foods claiming to be “healthy.” Previously, a product could qualify as “healthy” even if it was high in added sugars, which often conflict with nutritional guidelines. The new rules prioritize foods that contain specific amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, making it easier for consumers to make nutritious choices. A symbol indicating “healthy” food may be released in the future.

Additionally, the FDA released draft guidelines on January 7, 2025, for labeling plant-based alternatives to animal products. They recommend that labels specify the primary plant source, like “soy-based cheese” instead of just “plant-based cheese.” This approach aims to help consumers make informed choices when purchasing these alternatives.

Overall, these efforts align with the National Strategy’s goal to help Americans make healthier decisions about their diets. With rising rates of diet-related illnesses like obesity and diabetes, clearer food labeling can empower consumers. The FDA is also exploring how these rules might apply to online grocery shopping, which is becoming increasingly important. The agency has partnered with Instacart to enhance how consumers find “healthy” products online. Future guidance on online food labeling could further improve transparency.

As these new rules take shape, we will see how the FDA and the new administration continue to evolve food labeling practices to support public health.



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