Definitive Guide to the new Nutrition Facts Labels

Overview

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This document is a compilation of all important links involving the new FDA nutrition facts labels for food vendors.  As always, if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail us at contact@menutail.com.

 

ResourceLinkNotes New Workflow for Redesigned FDA Nutrition Facts Labels Link An overview of how to create a redesigned nutrition facts label.

Even if you aren’t using the Menutail platform this is a good overview of the changes. FDA: Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label Link FDA's fact sheet of all of the changes. Industry Resources on the Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label Link Detailed guidance for those creating labels. Food Labeling Guide Link This guide is not fully up-to-date in regards to the new labeling rules.  Hopefully this will be updated next year. FDA Contact E-mail NutritionProgramStaff@fda.hhs.gov A contact e-mail where you can send questions.  Turn around can be from a couple days to about 2 weeks.  Food Labeling Regulation
(21 CFR 101) Link Detailed rules of codified food labeling regulation.  21 CFR 101.9
Nutrition labeling of food Link  Specific link on the nutrition labeling rules. 21 CFR 101.12   
Reference amounts customarily consumed per eating occasion. Link Specific link on the new RACC rules.  Includes definition of new RACC amounts.  21 CFR 101.9(c)(6)(i)
Dietary Fiber Definition Link Dietary fiber is defined as non-digestible soluble and insoluble carbohydrates... (see regulation)

 

Proposed Rules to Watch:

Pending RuleLinkNotes Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for Flavored Nut Butter Spreads and Products That Can Be Used To Fill Cupcakes and Other Desserts, in the Labeling of Human Food Products; Request for Information and Comments Link This is in response for requests to amend serving size regulations and establish a RACC and product category for cupcake filling.  Comments must be received on or before January 3, 2017.

 

Pending Questions Awaiting FDA Response:

These are a compilation of questions we have asked the FDA and their responses so far.

QuestionResponse Is maltodextrin considered an added sugar? We have received many inquiries about whether maltodextrin is an added sugar.  We plan to address this topic in guidance that will be issued later this year or early next year. Are there specific rules in declaring quantitative amounts of vitamins and minerals?

Reference Link

We plan to issue guidance later this year or early next year that provides more information to assist manufacturers in determining how they should declare the quantitative amounts of vitamins and minerals on their labels.



 

Compliance Dates

QuestionResponse If your company has more than $10 million of sales annually July 26, 2018 If your company has less than $10 million of sales annually

July 26, 2019

Is a food manufacturer allowed to have any legacy products with the old nutrition facts labels on a grocery shelf on July 27th, 2018, or do they have to pull all products on the shelf with the old label?

[FDA Response]

Products that are labeled in production on or after July 26, 2018 (and July 26, 2019 for manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales) must affix a nutrition label that meets FDA’s new nutrition labeling requirements in 21 CFR 101.9 and 21 CFR 101.36.  Products that were labeled in production before July 26, 2018 (and July 26, 2019 for manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales) may continue to be shipped in interstate commerce, which includes being able to be shipped from a warehouse.  These products may also remain on store and warehouse shelves.

FDA does not object to the use of a sticker for providing a revised nutrition label that meets our new requirements in 21 CFR 101.9 and 21 CFR 101.36 before new packaging is printed.  The sticker label should not cover any other mandatory information and should adhere to the package during normal handling.   

 

Label Examples:

Download Sample PDF Labels

These labels are all generated using the Menutail system.  Notice that we are keeping the FDA preferred fonts of Helvetica for the best design continuity. 

Label TypeDescriptionExample Vertical Most commonly used vertical label   Vertical Simplified Vertical label, but line items are removed when insignificant amounts occur (DV is less than 2%) Long Tab Label Tabular version Short Tab Label A version for smaller packaging Linear Label Text only label for the smallest packaging Vertical Dual Column Label This label is triggered when your serving size ratio is >200% and <= 300% Tabular Dual Column Label This label is triggered when your serving size ratio is >200% and <= 300%