FDA Extends Front-of-Package Labeling Comment Period

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending the comment period for the proposed rule on a front-of-package nutrition labeling scheme until July 15.

The proposed rule would require a front-of-package nutrition label on most packaged foods to provide accessible, at-a-glance information to help consumers quickly and easily identify how foods can be part of a healthy diet. 

The proposed FOP nutrition label, referred to as the Nutrition Info box, would detail and interpret the relative amounts of three nutrients — saturated fat, sodium and added sugars — in a serving of food and would appear on the package’s front so that it is immediately visible when a consumer is deciding whether to buy, use or eat the food. Current federal dietary recommendations advise U.S. consumers to limit these three nutrients to achieve a nutrient-dense diet within calorie limits.  

The agency said it extended the comment period by 60 days in response to requests for additional time to submit comments.  

“A 60-day comment period extension allows adequate time for interested parties to submit comments while also not significantly delaying rulemaking on the important issues in the proposed rule,” said the agency in a statement.

Read more on the proposed rule here.