FDA Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labeling Rule Advances

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FDA’s Nutrition Labeling Rule Advances to OMB Amid Senate Hearing on Diabetes and Obesity

by: Food and Drug Law at Keller and Heckman of Keller and Heckman LLP - The Daily Intake

Friday, December 6, 2024

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On November 21, 2024, FDA’s Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling rule was advanced to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. FDA is proposing a standardized labeling system that would provide nutrition information on the front of the package rather than on the back or side. After OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) reviews the proposed rule, it will be published in the Federal Register where it will become available for public comment.
On December 5, 2024, The Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee (HELP) held a hearing to address FDA’s efforts in combatting diabetes and obesity in America and noted the importance of labeling in achieving positive health outcomes related to diet and nutrition.
The committee noted that over 35 million Americans have type II diabetes which contributed to severe health issues such as stroke, amputations, blindness, and kidney failure and which costs over $400 billion in U.S. healthcare expenditures each year. Further, Senator Sanders noted that childhood obesity has tripped since the 1970’s and argued that this rise relates in part to the consumption of ultra-processed foods..
The committee also made note that other countries such as Chile, Peru, Isreal, Brazil, Columbia, and several others have enacted FOP nutrition labeling laws that are intended to influence formulation and consumption patterns. This committee hearing follows efforts by Senators Sanders and Booker who introduced legislation earlier this year seeking to ban advertisements of unhealthy food towards children.
Dr. Califf responded to frustrations with the delayed timeframe in implementing the FOP nutrition labeling rule as a result of political blockages and budget restraints. The hearing underscored the complexity of ensuring food safety and nutrition in the U.S., highlighting the need for clear labeling, adequate funding, and improved collaboration between federal and state agencies.