The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) marked the 20th anniversary of Nutrition Facts this year by praising the labeling program's accomplishments in educating consumers about the food they eat.
Each year, the number of consumers reporting that they use the labeling to gauge food’s nutritional value and make informed purchases has risen.
At the same time, agency leaders hint an update to requirements will be coming soon.
The joint organizations of Food Label Compass will provide customized nutrition analysis, regulatory advice and strategic services to allow food and beverage executives understand, comply and communicate changes.
Changes on the horizon
While the FDA has not yet released information about any proposed Nutrition Facts changes, food manufacturers (both based in the US, and importers bringing foodstuffs into the country) will need to get up to speed quickly and make significant changes in their operations.
"While the nutrition label has been an invaluable tool to educate consumers, it is overdue for an update so it can reflect current science and dietary recommendations," said Victor Fulgoni, Nutrition Impact's senior vice president.
"The trick for the food and beverage industry will be how to successfully navigate upcoming changes proactively, and then clearly communicate this new information to their consumers."
Food Label Compass harnesses the expertise of each firm to create a specialized suite of nutrition analysis, regulatory consulting and strategic services to guide food and beverage companies in understanding the impact, complying, communicating, and capitalizing on the FDA guidelines.
Food labeling experience
According to FoodMinds chief science officer Robert Post, food firms can draw from the combined decades of labeling experience the Food Label Compass team has to offer.
"We have effectively packaged a mind-trust of science-based analysis, regulatory counsel, and marketing communications experts to provide clients an edge to successfully navigate and capitalize on this opportunity," he said.
Paula Trumbo, Ph.D., acting director of FDA's nutrition programs staff, said the agency will announce proposed updates (covering nutrient recommendations, public health concerns and maximizing the clarity of nutrition info) as soon as they are assembled.
When FDA teams arrive at proposed changes (expected to arrive before the end of the year), the agency will solicit input from the public on the changes before finalizing any rules.