The FDA will proceed with several changes to the nutrition and supplements facts labels. The purpose behind this initiative that has ben condoned by the first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, is to provide consumers with a more concise and clear meaning of the labels in Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. Although these changes will have a direct impact on all manufacturing companies of health and nutritional supplements, they will also change the way the consumer is able to read and interpret all supplement facts and nutritional labels. Here are some of the most important things to know pertaining the changes that the FDA has already approved and will be implementing shortly.
When will the revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels become effective?
Beginning on July 26th, 2018 there will be several changes that will go into effect to promote better understanding for the consumers of the product being purchased and what is in it.
What are some of the most important changes to the Nutrition and Supplements Facts Labels?
Mandatory Dietary Ingredients will be revised. Supplements such as Vitamin A and C won’t be specified in the label, nor will be the calories obtained from fat. However, vitamin C and potassium are to be clearly depicted in the facts labels as well as any added sugars.
Changes in the requirements for a supplement to list Folate and/or Folic acid in the label.
The FDA will now regulate which supplements are able to list folate or folic acid in their labels. The change will mean that only foods that contain either folate or folic acid entirely on their own or a combination of both will be able to list them in their label. Due to the apparent synonyms used to list folic acid or folate in some supplements labels that do not entirely contain either, the FDA will restrict the labeling of both.
What should you remember?
There will be several changes made by the FDA to all Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. The changes that the FDA chooses to enforce will not be limited to those listed on this article and can at any time be amended. The proposed changes will start to take effect on the market at the FDA’s discretion and all the implemented changes will be released in materials that will further educate the public on all decisions being made regarding the safe and efficient labeling of all nutrition and supplements available in the market.
Where can I get more information?
The FDA has drafted and released a document containing over 300 pages with all the information regarding this topic along with more educational materials should you desire to be further informed on these new changes. However, keep in mind the FDA will continue to release educational materials to the public and will encourage further knowledge on the new Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels and how they will have a positive effect on informing the public more efficiently and clearly.