The First Lady Unveils Revamped Food Nutrition Label

At the Partnership for a Healthier America Building a Healthier Future Summit on May 20 in Washington, D.C., first lady (and PHA honorary chair) Michelle Obama unveiled the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s refreshed Nutrition Facts label. A label redesign may not seem like big news, but it is.

First, because this is the only time the label has significantly changed since it debuted 20 years ago. And second, because the FDA has been under mounting pressure from food manufacturers and consumers alike to re-evaluate what was criticized as an out-of-date tool for determining the nutritional value of packaged foods.

It’s also a big victory for the first lady’s Let’s Move! initiative, which aims to raise a healthier generation of kids. “I am thrilled that the FDA has finalized a new and improved Nutrition Facts label that will be on food products nationwide,” she said. “This is going to make a real difference in providing families across the country the information they need to make healthy choices.”

So what are the most-important changes?

The revamped format makes key information such as “calories” and “servings per container” easier to see at a glance.

In addition to the existing “total sugars” information, “added sugars” must now be declared to show consumers how much sugar is added to the product during processing.

Out-of-date serving sizes have been revised to better reflect the portions consumers actually eat.

Whether you’re watching your sodium, teaching your kids how to keep sugar, fat and calories in check, or trying to avoid that moment when you realize the seemingly healthy snack you just ate was meant to be four servings — not one — the label is your best tool for making informed food choices. But while the more user-friendly label will make it easier for consumers to navigate what foods they put in their grocery carts, don’t expect to see it overnight; manufacturers have two to three years to implement the change.

Photographs courtesy of Partnership for a Healthier America and the Federal Drug Administration

Next Up

The First-Ever Chain Restaurant Food Festival Is Coming to Los Angeles

"Chain" is hosting the one-of-a-kind gathering of major restaurant brands, including Pizza Hut, Dunkin’, Chili’s, Panda Express and more, and will include event-exclusive menu items.

Subway Makes Major Menu Change for the First Time in 60 Years

If you’ve always been indecisive at the sandwich chain, you can now choose from 12 signature sandwiches.

How the First Female Chef at a Historic New Orleans Restaurant Celebrates Mardi Gras

Here’s how Meg Bickford faced the roaring return of carnival season at Commander’s Palace — and her recipe for an "obnoxiously good" shrimp po' boy.

The Cheesecake Factory Brings Basque Cheesecake to Its Menu for the First Time Ever

The cake style, which originates from Spain, is known for its burnt top and ultra-creamy center.

The First Lady + MyPlate + FoodNetwork.com + Pinterest = Healthier Options

Food Network is partnering with the First Lady, MyPlate and several media organizations to share healthy, family-friendly recipes on Pinterest.

The Nutrition Label's New Look

The food label on packaged food has been there since the early 1990’s. With all the label confusion, the FDA finally decided it was time the nutrition label got a makeover (we couldn’t agree more!). Although the proposed changes were released a few months ago, a new black and white food label photo was released this morning.

Food Labeling 101: Understanding the Nutrition Facts Label

Don't be afraid of the food label on prepared foods; learn to read it right and it can be your best tool to aid with healthy eating.