Schakowsky Leads Calls to Implement Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led nine colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urging the agency to prioritize the development of a mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling system. With Americans’ consumption of salt, sugar, and saturated fat far exceeding recommended levels and linked to various chronic diseases, a front-of-package nutrition labeling system would provide clear information about nutrients of concern, including salt, sugar, and saturated fat to help consumers make healthier choices.
“Food companies have led the American people astray for too long. If consumers could see how much sodium, sugar, and saturated fat is in their food, they might think twice about what they are purchasing,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “A poor diet is one of the leading causes of preventable disease in the U.S. We must do all we can to create transparency in food labeling and empower consumers to make informed dietary decisions.”
“We need a mandatory, evidence-based front-of-pack nutrition labeling system to help people identify healthier food options and encourage food companies to create healthier products. FDA must act in a timely manner and develop a system that prioritizes public health over private industry interests,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, President of Center for Science in the Public Interest.
A handful of food industry stakeholders continue to employ anti-regulatory industry talking points to discourage the FDA from developing a strong, mandatory policy on front-of-package nutrition labeling, prioritizing profits over people. But a recent survey shows front-of-package nutrition labeling has broad support from U.S. consumers, with 75% of respondents in favor of a mandatory front-of-package nutrition labeling policy.
Cosigners of the letter include Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Katie Porter (CA-47), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mark Pocan (WI-02), André Carson (IN-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03).
Rep. Schakowsky has been a longtime champion for food safety. In December 2023, she introduced the TRUTH in Labeling Act, which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a standardized front-of-package nutrition label that helps consumers differentiate between foods of greater or lesser nutritional value. The labels would also be required to show the number of calories a food item contains.
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