FDA to Revise Approach to Labeling Some Added Sugars
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
  • As previously reported on this blog, FDA published a draft guidance in February 2018 to help industry declare added sugars on the label of pure honey, pure maple syrup, and certain cranberry products. More than 3,000 comments were submitted on the draft guidance by the June 15, 2018 deadline. The comments on the draft guidance can be viewed here.  Yesterday, FDA announced that “it plans to take these comments into consideration to swiftly formulate a revised approach that makes key information available to consumers in a workable way.”

  • The draft guidance advised food manufacturers of FDA’s intent to allow manufacturers to use a symbol on the Nutrition Facts label immediately after the added sugars daily value on containers of pure maple syrup and pure honey that directed consumers to language that provides information about “added sugars” and what it means for each of these specific products. An example given in the draft guidance was, “All these sugars are naturally occurring in honey.”  Many of the comments suggested that this approach would not provide the clarity that the FDA intended. Consequently, FDA explained that it plans to work with stakeholders to devise a solution that will allow consumers to effectively use the new Nutrition Facts label to make informed, healthy dietary choices.

  • With respect to cranberry products, industry had expressed concern that the added sugars declaration would be detrimental to the cranberry industry by implying that cranberry products are less nutritious than competitive products that have similar amounts of total sugars and nutrients. In response, FDA explained in the draft guidance that a symbol could be added after the added sugars daily value that directs consumers to a statement such as, “Sugars added to improve the palatability of naturally tart cranberries.”

 

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