TRUTH in Labeling Act
The TRUTH in Labeling Act would require new front-of-package nutrition labeling on foods to clearly flag when products are high in added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat. The front-of-pack labels would read “High in” for the applicable nutrient, appear on the principal display panel with a separate label for each nutrient, and include a conspicuous exclamation icon. If the product contains non-nutritive sweeteners, there would also be a statement on the front panel noting their presence and that non-nutritive sweeteners are not recommended for children. The labeling requirements would apply to foods marketed as suitable for infants from birth to 12 months and for children ages 1-3 (in addition to older populations). The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to finalize a rule implementing these requirements within 180 days of enactment and to establish Daily Reference Values and percent Daily Values for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat for infants and 1-3-year-olds, aligning with the Dietary Guidelines. The Act also provides flexibility to avoid delays in finalizing the rule and contemplates updates to sodium-reduction claim limits to reflect current nutrition science. Overall, the bill aims to improve label readability and help parents and other shoppers make healthier choices for young children by making key nutrients more conspicuous at the point of purchase, while also shaping product reformulation through disclosure of non-nutritive sweeteners.
Key Points
- 1Front-of-package labeling: Requires a “High in” label on the principal display panel for added sugars, sodium, and/or saturated fat (with a separate label for each nutrient), using Daily Reference Values and a prominent exclamation icon.
- 2Non-nutritive sweeteners disclosure: If applicable, the front panel must state that non-nutritive sweeteners are present, alongside an advisory that they are not recommended for children.
- 3Scope to young children: Applies labeling requirements to foods represented for infants (0-12 months) and for children 1-3 years old, extending beyond infant formula as per current regulations.
- 4Rulemaking and daily values: The Secretary must finalize the rule within 180 days, and establish Daily Reference Values and percent Daily Values for added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat for infants and 1-3-year-olds, aligned with the Dietary Guidelines; if necessary, the rule can be issued first with DRVs added later.
- 5Sodium claim modernization: Provides the ability to revise low-sodium nutrient content claim limits to 115 mg per reference amount or per 100 grams to reflect current nutrition science.