As anticipated, the FDA has formally extended the timeline for compliance with its new rules regarding Nutrition Facts and Serving Sizes.   

Manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual sales have until
January 1, 2020 to comply.

All other manufacturers get an additional year:
Manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual sales have until
January 1, 2021 to comply.

As a reminder, the new Nutrition Facts panel is designed to highlight information about calories and serving sizes in packaged food and drinks with large font with bold lettering. Among other things, it also requires disclosure of added sugars and information about the amount, not just the percent Daily Value of certain vitamins and minerals. Importantly, the rules also change the serving sizes for some products and change the way dietary fiber is calculated.

Until the new deadlines pass, it is permissible to stick with the classic format. At the same time, it is also permissible to switch to the new Nutrition Facts label formats and serving size rule as soon as you are ready — you do not need to wait until the deadlines near. And if you’ve already made the switch, congratulations on being ahead of the game!

When you are ready to update your labels, Handel Food Law can help you make sure that your labels are compliant.  It is a great idea to get a jump on this soon.