Proposed changes to food labels for all manner of information pertaining to fat, calories and carbs will give better, clearer information to shoppers, according to a Kansas State University human nutrition specialist.
K-State Research and Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program coordinator Sandy Procter said certain parts of the label could be revised to help better use the information, while the familiar design of the label will be retained.
"Quite frankly, we shouldn't have to have reading glasses to be able to see the number of calories in food we're considering buying in the grocery store," Procter added.
The proposed changes outlined by Procter include updating serving size requirements and new labeling requirements for certain size packages and declaration of 'Added Sugars' under 'Sugars.'
As part of the changes, 'Calories from fat' will be removed and the required nutrients of public health significance which include calcium and iron, vitamin D and potassium will be revised.
Daily values for certain nutrients that are mandatory or voluntary including calcium, sodium, dietary fiber and vitamin D also need to be revised.
The Percent Daily Value listed on the label can be calculated using Daily values, which help consumers understand the nutrition information in the context of a total daily diet.
Earlier in 2014, the Food and Drug Administration proposed the first significant changes in 20 years to the nutrition facts label found on food packages, helping consumers make informed food choices.
The proposed changes, if implemented, would include greater understanding of nutrition science; updated serving size requirements and new labeling requirements for certain package sizes; and refreshed design.
Image: Proposed food labeling changes. Photo: Courtesy of Kansas State University.
