The use of Front-of-Package (FOP) nutrition labeling schemes has increased dramatically worldwide in recent decades. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated qualitative and quantitative consumer research to explore the development of a standardized FOP nutrition labeling scheme. In November, the FDA submitted its proposed rule on FOP nutrition labeling to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  

With a much-anticipated proposed rule on FOP nutrition labeling expected from FDA soon, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) is hosting a webinar on December 12 at 2pm ET. This free, 60-minute webinar, Front-Of-Package Nutrition Labeling: Front & Center Food Information To Encourage Healthy Choices, will feature food labeling insights from IFIC Senior Director of Research & Consumer Insights, Kris Sollid, RDN, as well as IFIC President and CEO, Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN. The two will discuss the FDA’s efforts to develop standardized nutrition labeling for the front of food packaging, IFIC consumer research on the FOP labels being considered by FDA, and the importance of improving nutrition communications to encourage healthy food choices.  

“Americans are food curious, and time-crunched, making it difficult to quickly convey accurate and complex information about food. As the American food consumer evolves, so must on-and off-label nutrition communications. FDA and IFIC efforts, among others, are critical to improve consumer use and understanding of Front-of-Pack nutrition labeling concepts,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, IFIC President & CEO.     

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Given the multiple FOP initiatives underway at the FDA and health agencies throughout the world, over the past few years, IFIC has conducted two studies among American consumers. The first was released in November 2021, the second in June of this year, with Front-Of-Package (FOP) Nutrition Labeling: Front & Center Food Information To Encourage Healthy Choices.   

“In IFIC’s most recent consumer study on Front-of-Pack nutrition labeling, we went to great lengths to align our work with many of FDA’s published protocols,” said Kris Sollid, RDN, IFIC Senior Director of Research & Consumer Insights. “IFIC was one of the first to publish consumer reactions to prototype FOP nutrition labels being considered by the FDA, so we eagerly await the release of FDA’s Front-of-Pack nutrition labeling consumer study results, in addition to the proposed rule,” Sollid added. “In our upcoming webinar, we will discuss our published research, as well as unveil new key findings.”    

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IFIC’s latest FOP nutrition labeling consumer research was conducted online from October 4–27, 2023 among 3,000 Americans between the ages of 18 and 80 years. Funding for this study was provided via unrestricted grants from the broad-based food and beverage industry.   

You can view the 2024 IFIC FOP nutrition labeling consumer research here.  

You can register for the December 12 webinar here.