The food industry has changed in the last 20 years but the Nutrition Facts label has remained the same…until now. To encourage healthier food and beverage choices, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designed an improved label with new information including added sugars.
A new resource, “The Food Facts: New and Improved Nutrition Facts Label“, explains the four key objectives of the label:
- Understand serving sizes and servings per container
- Compare the calorie content of foods and beverages
- Understand percent Daily Value (%DV) and how to apply it to food choices
- Learn and compare the nutrient content of foods
The new label considers current nutrition science while promoting the recommendations in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines include limiting added sugar to less than 10% of total calories. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet, added sugars should be less than 200 calories/50 grams from food and drinks. Clearly identifying added sugars on the new label will increase awareness and encourage healthy choices.
Manufacturers will be using the new labels by July 2018 with small businesses granted an extra year to comply. The FDA encourages health care professionals to use the transition time to educate individuals on the new label and the benefits of cutting down on added sugars.
Nutrition, along with physical activity, impacts overall health and well-being. For those with chronic disease, healthy lifestyles are even more essential. Community resources including self-management education programs for chronic disease and diabetes are valuable tools for establishing positive health outcomes through lifestyle change.
The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network has master trainers available to facilitate classes and provide technical assistance for providers to establish a referral program to these evidence and community-based programs. Learn more about the diabetes care initiative and find local contacts today.