FDA Intends to Extend Nutrition Facts Labeling Compliance Date

On June 13, 2017, the FDA announced their intent to extend the compliance dates for Supplement and Nutrition Facts Labeling.

This update was posted on the FDA’s website on June 13, 2017:

In May 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized the Nutrition Facts and Supplement Facts Label and Serving Size final rules and set the compliance date for July 26, 2018, with an additional year to comply for manufacturers with annual food sales of less than $10 million.

After those rules were finalized, industry and consumer groups provided the FDA with feedback regarding the compliance dates.

After careful consideration, the FDA determined that additional time would provide manufacturers covered by the rule with necessary guidance from FDA, and would help them be able to complete and print updated nutrition facts panels for their products before they are expected to be in compliance.

As a result, the FDA intends to extend the compliance dates to provide the additional time for implementation. The framework for the extension will be guided by the desire to give industry more time and decrease costs, balanced with the importance of minimizing the transition period during which consumers will see both the old and the new versions of the label in the marketplace. The FDA will provide details of the extension through a Federal Register Notice at a later time.

Regulation Timeline Overview:

• May 27, 2016 – The FDA published final guidance to the Federal Register.
• July 26, 2016 – Products can be sold with the new labels.
• June 13, 2017 – The FDA announces intent to extend the compliance dates.

UPDATE: On Sept. 29, 2017, the FDA released its proposed rule to extend the compliance dates for Supplement and Nutrition Facts Labeling. Learn more.
To learn more about the new regulations, including how the FDA defines Added Sugars and what is considered Beneficial Dietary Fiber, check out our FDA Nutrition Facts Label Changes eBook, webinar series, and blog series.