Packaged foods will soon be marked with a new label.
The Food and Drug Administration announced Friday a new Nutrition Facts label, which many manufacturers need to adopt by July 26, 2018.
According to the release, the label’s “iconic” look won’t change. However, the type size of certain words will increase, while the list of nutrients will also be updated.
Notably, manufacturers will need to disclose the added sugars in grams.
Linda Bobroff, a UF professor and extension nutrition specialist, said she thinks requiring added sugars is an important change the FDA has made.
“What we’re concerned about are added sugars,” Bobroff said. “The amount of sugar in milk is not a concern when it’s from the lactose. We’re concerned about if it’s chocolate milk and it has added sugars.”
While information about sugars has the potential to help people make healthier choices, Bobroff said she and other nutritionists are concerned about the increase in serving size.
Serving sizes are being increased because it’s based on the amount of foods and drinks people are actually consuming, the release said.
“I understand that it’s good for people to have realistic information,” Bobroff said. But normalizing serving sizes can be dangerous if people are eating more than they should.
UF business junior Yessenia Olvera said although she thinks it will increase the problem with obesity, it depends on the person.
“Not everyone has the same body,” the 20-year-old said. “Having a standard is very difficult.”
