New Added Sugar Label Will Help Protect Americans’ Health

WASHINGTON (May 20, 2016)—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a strong new rule that will require manufacturers to clearly label how much sugar they’re adding to the food they make, and list the percent daily value that amount represents. That’s a big win for public health, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

Below is a statement from Pallavi Phartiyal, senior analyst and program manager of the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.

“The FDA did the right thing today. The scientific evidence is clear on how consuming too much sugar can affect illnesses like obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, and heart and liver disease. Consumers need to know how much sugar is in the food they buy in order to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families. UCS mobilized over 60,000 UCS members and concerned individuals, including more than 700 scientists and health experts, to support FDA’s proposal for a separate ‘Added Sugars’ line and a daily value in the Nutrition Facts label found on all food packages.

“This rule will give consumers the information they need to make healthier choices about their diet. Better information leads to better decisions, especially for those who face medical risks. In including a separate line for ‘added sugar’ and putting this in context for the public by including a daily value, the FDA didn’t succumb to pressure from food manufacturers and trade groups—they did their job of protecting the public’s health and following the science.”