FDA Comments On Front-Of-Package Symbols

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a “Dear Manufacturer” letter regarding front-of-package symbols earlier this month; reinforcing to food manufacturers and distributors the current regulatory schemes and requirements with regard to nutrition claims. The announcement comes a little more than a month after several food companies agreed to use a uniform front-of-pack nutrition labeling system called the Smart Choices Program on products beginning next year.
The FDA said it has been following the emergence of front-of-package symbols in the marketplace and understands they are intended to assist consumer choice by providing simplified information on the nutritional attributes of food. With that in mind, the administration in its letter reminded food manufacturers of the need to consider the wording of any potential claims or symbols.