Menu labeling and Nutrition Facts labeling are both governed by the FDA but their regulations fall under different acts. While there are some similarities between the two types of labeling they vary in what nutrition information is required and how it is displayed. Menu Labeling was established under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 is based on the “old” 1990 retail labeling criteria, which does not include nutrients such as added sugars. Retail labeling is governed by the Nutrition ... Full Article
Potassium on the Nutrition Facts Food Label
In 2016 the Nutrition Facts food panel (NFP) was updated to include potassium. It became mandatory in 2020 to list potassium on the NFP. The nutrient was added due to a public health concern of widespread underconsumption of potassium in the U.S. population. It is an essential nutrient for health. Potassium has been identified to help maintain blood pressure, preserve calcium stores in bone, and help the kidneys work efficiently. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) has a ... Full Article
FDA Nutrition Facts Label Rounding Rules
When you work with On The Menu you don’t need to concern yourself with the FDA rounding rules because we do the rounding for you. That said, it’s not uncommon for a client to ask us how the rounding rules work. Having that information at your fingertips can be helpful, so we’ve pulled the rounding rules for the nutrients found on the current standard Nutrition Facts Panel (NFP). NutrientIncrement RoundingCalories < 5 cal – express as 0 ≤ 50 cal – express to nearest 5 cal increment ... Full Article
Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Label
We have had four years to get familiar with the new Nutrition Facts label that includes “added sugars.” Occasionally we are asked what is meant by added sugars. The FDA provides this definition. Added sugars include sugars that are added during the processing of foods (such as sucrose or dextrose), foods packaged as sweeteners (such as table sugar), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. They do not include naturally occurring sugars that ... Full Article
Label Compliance Deadline
Most companies have transitioned to the new Nutrition Facts label, but manufactures with less than $10 million in annual food sales may be delaying the change due to a later deadline. Food manufacturers with $10 million or more in sales were required to use the new label by January 1, 2020, but those with less than $10 million in sales aren't required to be compliant until January 1, 2021. If your company has delayed transitioning to the new label, now is the time to act. On The Menu can ... Full Article
