Food Labeling

Modernization
Act of 2015
S. 2301
Jane Loprieno

Food Labeling Modernization

Act of 2015
Current status: Bill presented to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
on November 18th, 2015

Not yet passed by senate, house, or president

Sponsored by Senator Richard Bloomenthal

Aims to make changes to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to
require food packages to abide by stricter food labeling regulations and
standardize the front of food packaging
If passed, law will be implemented within 3 years of enactment

Role of Food & Drug

Administration (FDA)
Clarify the meaning of healthy, and all natural
Healthy= at least whole grains, <10% added sugar
Natural= contains no artificial ingredients

Claims about nutrient effects on the body

Establish a level of added sugars in which above it, manufacturers are not
allowed to make health claims about
Food manufacturers must submit information on their food labels to the FDA
for approval before making it available to consumers

Regulations
If food contains added coloring, non-caloric sweeteners, or flavoring it must be
stated on the front of the package
Labels must include % of recommended daily calories
Added sugar must be made known in grams and teaspoon servings
If caffeine content is >10mg, must be disclosed
Trans fats must be listed on the food label
Sesame is added to this list of food allergens

Overweight & Obesity

68.8% of adults are considered to be overweight or obese
31.8% of children are considered to be overweight or obese
High risk of CVD (leading cause of death)
72% of Americans say they are trying to eat healthier
44% say they are firmly committed to a healthy diet
54% say they appreciate when food companies, restaurants, and grocery stores
help them make healthier choices

Benefits of Passing this Bill

Atherogenic environment
Consumers are often confused by labeling
Awareness of allergens
Cost effective
In 2010, heart disease cost the US $108.9 billion in health care services, medications,
and lost productivity

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-levelthe-playing-field-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-obesity-statistics.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