Regulatory Authority and Scope
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the governing body that allows and regulates the use of fact-based front-of-pack (FOP) energy or calorie labeling on processed food products.
- This guideline applies to all processed food products where manufacturers or distributors seek to voluntarily declare energy content on the front packaging.
Format and Placement of Energy Declaration
- The energy or calorie content declaration must be positioned on the lower right-hand portion of the principal display panel of the product packaging.
- The declaration must be enclosed within a cylindrical shape with a white background.
- The border, lines, and fonts inside the cylindrical shape must be clearly legible and use colors that contrast well with the white background to ensure visibility.
Content Requirements Inside the Cylindrical Label
- The label must include the statement "Energy" or "Calories" within the cylindrical format.
- The amount of energy must be presented as:
- Amount per serving of the food product.
- Percentage of the calorie value based on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI).
Presentation and Illustration
- The Circular references specific illustrations for proper presentation of the FOP nutrition declaration to ensure uniformity and clarity.
- Manufacturers should refer to official FDA materials for exact depiction (referenced in the original document for detailed visuals).
Consumer Education and Industry Responsibility
- Food industries are encouraged to engage in consumer education programs to improve understanding of the FOP labeling.
- Such education campaigns can be conducted through media, posters, and various advertising materials.
Submission and Approval Procedure
- Food manufacturers and distributors must submit revised labels that include the FOP energy labeling and corresponding % RENI to the FDA.
- Approval from the FDA is required before these labels can be used in commerce.
Effectivity
- The guidelines outlined in this Circular take effect immediately upon issuance.
Legal and Administrative Authority
- The Circular is issued and enforced under the authority of the FDA, specifically signed by the Acting Director IV, ensuring the directives have formal administrative backing.