Updates to our nutrition label Part II

Were you able to spot the seven major differences from the picture posted in the previous blog post? If not, check the link out before reading this.

The Updates

• Did you notice the larger and bolder type face on the calories? That is the first big one. 
• For the first time, "Added Sugars" will be featured on the label. 

Here is a trivia: On average, Americans eat 16 percent of their daily calories from sugars added during food production. This is because sugar is in ketchup, tomato soup and even tortillas, where you would least expect it to be! Added sugars have been a growing concern and finally the label update can start to address the issue.

• The calories from fat will no longer be listed. Total, saturated and trans fat will still be present
• The number of servings per package will be prominent on the new labels. "Amount Per Serving," would now have the actual serving size listed instead as "Amount per cup"
• FDA will also be updating serving size requirements. These updates will reflect the reality of what people actually eat. By law, serving sizes must be based on what people actually eat, not on what they "should" be eating. Remember downing that 20 oz bottle of soda all at one sitting? Well today it is 2.5 servings that we are drinking...
• FDA will update Daily Values for various nutrients. Percent Daily Value (% DV) on the label, helps consumers understand the nutritional requirements for a full day and how much that food is giving us per serving. To help us focus our attention on it, the % DV information will be on the left of the label before the nutrient being highlight, so that consumers can quickly see the percentages.
• Two new nutrients important for our health are going to be required on the proposed labels - Potassium and Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for healthy bones, especially among women and elderly people. Potassium helps to lower blood pressure and prevents hypertension.