Public Policy Paper: Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

Public Policy Paper

Jane Loprieno

Community Nutrition

Nov. 15, 2016

Public Policy Paper: Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

America has become the leading country in the world in regards to obesity (Overweight
an Obesity Statistics, 2012). 35.7% of adults are considered to be obese and 68.8% of adults
are considered overweight. Unfortunately, this trend also affects young children. 31.8% of
adolescents are considered to be either overweight or obese. This signifies a prevalent and
growing trend in our country today. Obesity results from energy imbalance. People are taking in
far more calories than they are expending. High availability of processed, inexpensive, and high
saturated fat containing foods, along with inactivity and a minimal understanding of health and
nutrition have contributed to an atherogenic environment. These factors have puts more than
2/3ird of Americans at risk for cardiovascular disease. This is causing the high rates of obesity,
and therefore far too many health complications. Heart disease caused over 25% of all deaths in
2008. It is imperative that these rates be brought down (Heart Disease Statistics, 2013).
Thankfully, various government bills are being introduced to improve the American diet and
advice Americans regarding healthy choices. One of these initiatives is known as the Food
Labelling Modernization Act of 2015. It is currently a bill and not yet passed by the senate,
house, or president (Text - S.2301 - 114th Congress, 2015). If passed, this law will standardize
nutrition labels on the front of packages and more strictly regulate nutrient information on food
labels. This will allow Americans to be further informed when grocery shopping and be more
inclined to purchase healthier foods. In turn, this bill can help lower obesity rates.
The Food Labelling Modernization Act amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (FFDCA) to require food packages to bear a nutrition label that complies with the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) regulations (Food Labelling Modernization Act of 2015, 2015).
Sponsored by state senator, Richard Blumenthal, this bill is looking to standardize food labels
with an easily understood symbol system for the front of packages along with added components

Public Policy Paper: Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

to the nutrition fact label and stricter health claim qualifications. Information on all food labels
should be large and legible, in a consistent location, and have a prominent design that is different
from current packaging labels. If passed, the law must be implemented by all manufacturers and
government agencies within 3 years of enactment.
This bill requires the FDA to create a standard for the definitions of natural, healthy,
and made with whole grain. Natural foods are those that do not contain any artificial
ingredients, added coloring, non-caloric sweetener, or flavoring (Food Labelling Modernization
Act of 2015, 2015). If a product does contain any of these ingredients, it must be stated on the
front of the label. Artificial includes any food or ingredient that has undergone chemical
changes. Examples of which are corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and cocoa processed.
Healthy foods can only be claimed as such if one half of the grains are whole grains and have
no more than 10% of the daily value of added sugar per serving. The FDA is required to
implement a limit for the amount of sugar that can be added to a product and still be considered
healthy. Claims that food manufacturers want on food labels that affect health must be
regulated by the FDA. The manufacturers and importers must submit the desired and accurate
information to be cleared by the FDA before making it available to consumers. This information
must include the nutrition fact panel, ingredients, natural and artificial flavors, image of primary
display panel, allergy warnings and information, nutrient content claims, and health related
claims. If this information is not submitted for FDA review, the food production companies will
be fined for $10,000.
In regards to food labels, several things are proposed to be added (Text - S.2301 - 114th
Congress, 2015). The percent of recommended daily calories and daily added sugars provided
by one serving of the product must be included along with the amount of added sugar in grams,

Public Policy Paper: Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

and in teaspoons. This will make it easier for the average consumer to put into perspective the
amount of sugar in a certain product. Nutrition fact labels currently list total fat and saturated
fat. This bill proposes that trans fats be added to all nutrition fact labels. These labels also do not
currently list sesame within the common food allergens list. This bill will add sesame to this list
as well as require that retail of non-packaged food products containing major food allergens be
indicated on a sign adjacent to the food for sale. Lastly, if a product contains at least 10mg of
caffeine, it must be disclosed to the consumer as caffeine containing.
The Food Labelling Modernization Act of 2015 should be passed. It will be extremely
beneficial to consumers when selecting food items. 72% of Americans say they are trying to eat
healthier, but only 44% say they are firmly committed to a healthy diet (Overweight and
Obesity Statistics, 2012). An interesting component about this law is that it requires the
secretary of human health services to conduct a survey and study in order to determine public
understanding of natural, organic, and healthy foods. The results will provide the government
with information about the publics knowledge level of health and nutrition and be able to further
educate in the necessary subject areas. Increasing public health and nutrition awareness along
with public understanding of healthy eating and obesity will aid consumers to follow, and
commit to a healthier diet and lifestyle and lessen the prevalence of obesity that is tarnishing the
health of Americans. 54% say they appreciate when food companies help them to make
healthier choices by providing them with calorie counts or healthy symbols. Americans
understand that obesity is prevalent and problematic, I believe the problem lies within a
knowledge deficit of the population regarding healthy eating. We are exposed to an excessive
amount of pre-packaged, easily made, cheap foods that are often not nutritious and contain high
amounts of saturated fat and sodium. We are also often deceived by healthy packaging labels

Public Policy Paper: Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

that are aimed for business selling points rather than actual health promotions (Experts: Food
labeling overhaul could 'level the playing field' or have 'unintended consequences', 2016). For
example, granola bar companies have put health claims on their food labels such as all natural
and healthy. These companies contained high fructose corn syrup, as well as saturated fat
content that did not fall within the maximum allowance for healthy. Americans will buy these
products thinking they are making healthy choices, but in reality they are only contributing to
obesity. The bill states that the label must be large, legible, and different than current labels.
These standardized labeling systems and strict regulations regarding health will allow Americans
to easily compare one food product to another and aid consumers in making accurate, health
conscious decisions.
The bill proposes that sesame be added to the list of allergens and for major food
allergens to be made known when sold without packaging. This is a great advantage to people
who suffer from major allergens. It eases their shopping experience by allowing them to clearly
see whether or not an allergen is added to the food. This bill will keep Americans both healthy,
and safe (Asebey, 2015).
Passing this bill is also cost effective to both the consumer, and the country as a whole.
In 2010, it was projected that heart disease would cost the United States $108.9 billion in health
care services, medications, and lost productivity (Heart Disease Statistics, 2013). The cause of
most of these health complications is diet related. Rather than treating these diseases with
extensive and expensive surgeries, people can simply be more health conscious and improve
their health through nutritional means. Eating a balanced diet with wholesome food sources is
the most optimal, cost-effective medication. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, the
leading cause of death among Americans, and improves quality of life.

Public Policy Paper: Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

Requiring the FDA to provide definitions and standards for healthy and natural will
also help educate the public on healthy eating. Americans will be able to utilize this knowledge
when making food choices in any given situation-in restaurants or in grocery stores. This bill
will be a stepping stone to correcting the obesity epidemic. Educating the public about health,
nutrition, and obesity factors will increase awareness and promote healthier lifestyles that reduce
the high risks for various health complications.

Public Policy Paper: Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015

References
Asebey, E (2015, December 21). Democrats Reintroduce the Food Labeling Modernization Act.
Mondaq Business Breifing. Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=TOF&SW=w&u=sunyo_main&v=2.1&id=GALE%7
CA438174594&tsid=ebsco&asid=a3bec3ec3ea6a74e59d47c2afa33270d0
Experts: Food labeling overhaul could 'level the playing field' or have 'unintended consequences'
(2016, January 21). Retrieved November 15, 2016, from
http://www.fooddive.com/news/experts-food-labeling-overhaul-could-level-the-playingfield-or-have-un/412289/
Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015 (S. 2301). (2016). Retrieved November 15, 2016,
from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s2301
Heart Disease Statistics. (2013). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from
https://www.cardiosmart.org/Heart-Basics/CVD-Stats
Overweight and Obesity Statistics. (2012, October). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/Pages/overweight-obesitystatistics.aspx
Text - S.2301 - 114th Congress (2015-2016): Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2015. (2015,
November 18). Retrieved November 15, 2016, from
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2301/text