There is a lot of confusion in trying to make sense of nutrition labels and the FDA has recently improved the nutrition facts label to make it more understandable as it relates to viewing total servings, total calories, updated serving size and added sugars. The changes offer some needed improvement, but there are cautions to consider as well.
The designation of calories from fat will be removed in hopes that the public will focus only on the kinds of fat in the product. Whether this is an improvement for lowering fat consumption, what remains is confusion over whether that particular item is truly a high fat or low fat item. Nutrient designation is no longer about vitamins but only key minerals. Perhaps consumers will begin to realize that packaged foods are not the best source of vitamins.
With a focus on this new nutrition label, perhaps the importance of whole, fresh produce may be given renewed attention as the best of health promoting foods that still do not require a label. Fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables still remain the best food sources for a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes.
There is a public comment period open until June 2, 2014. If you want to comment or know more about this new label be sure to check the FDA website: Proposed Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label
