Volume 16, Number
7 - July 2016
Hello from Food Label News.
Summer is in full swing as is our understanding of the new
food label regulations. As industry begins to formulate how
these will affect their portfolio of products, we take a
closer look at the graphic changes in Part 2 of the New
Nutrition Label Series. We look forward to your questions
and conversation in the
Food Label Community on LinkedIn. Happy Summer.
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A Closer Look at Graphic Changes:
Part 2, New Nutrition Label Series
At first glance, the refreshed design we've seen since 1993
looks familiar indeed. The overall footprint of the
Nutrition Facts graphic stays the same. However, closer
examination shows the subtle changes that will make food
labels easier to read, helping consumers make healthier food
choices.
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Here are the graphic changes:
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The biggest change in the look is the size of the
calorie content in fact, larger than the title Nutrition
Facts. |
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The larger, bolder serving size is now visually more
prominent than servings per container and better communicates
how much is in a serving. |
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Servings per container is now listed more explicitly
with the number first (Example: "8 servings per container"
instead of "Servings Per Container 8"). |
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Capitalization is also different in the upper 2
sections of the label. |
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Horizontal rules are heavier to more effectively
separate content areas. |
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Hairline rules above and below Saturated Fat, Trans
Fat and Dietary Fiber now extend full width to give
greater distinction to the Added Sugars line. |
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The footnote is significantly shorter a welcome change
for industry. |
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See a
side-by-side comparison of graphic changes shown on an original
versus a new Nutrition Facts label.
Next month we continue with Part 3 of the New Nutrition Label Series:
Nutrients News - Whats in, whats out and whats changed. If you missed
Part 1, click here for
what you need to know. |
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When do these new label graphics take effect? The
earliest date for industry to begin using labels that comply with the
new regulations is July 26, 2016. For companies with $10 million or more
in annual food sales, 100% of inventory must comply with the new
regulations within 2 years, by July 26, 2018. Companies with less than
$10 million in annual food sales have an extra year to comply, with all
inventory phased in by July 26, 2019. Despite these absolute compliance
dates, industry may want to consider phasing in inventory sooner to
ensure the most contemporary looking labels.
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What's
News in the Food Label
Community
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Reader Q&A
Find
answers to our readers'
questions or send us
your question for an
upcoming issue.
Q. |
What are the rules about declaring net contents in
Canada?
− M.S., Illinois, Manufacturer |
A. |
Canadian food labels must express net quantity
declarations in metric units of measure. Non-metric
units may also be used as long as the metric is placed
first and there is no intervening information between
the two including marks, punctuation, parentheses or
brackets.
Read
More. |
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What Matters in Food Labeling
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Your Virtual
Food Label Partner
Food Consulting Company,
founded in 1993, provides nutrition analysis, food labeling,
and regulatory support for more than 1,500 clients worldwide.
Our
guarantee: 100% regulatory compliance.
Contact us
for the help you need now.
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© 2016. Food Consulting Company, Del Mar, CA. All rights reserved.
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