Nutrition Label Changes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized the new nutrition facts label for packaged foods to reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. Among the changes to help consumers is the addition of grams of added sugars below "Total Sugars." Manufacturers will need to use the new label by July 26, 2018, although manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales will have an additional year.

For more information, go to http://go.usa.gov/xqZzA

HHS and USDA release new dietary guidelines

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans provide science-based recommendations on food and nutrition so people can make decisions that may help keep their weight under control and prevent chronic conditions, like type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. The newly released guidelines recognize the importance of not focusing on individual nutrients or foods in isolation but on healthy eating patterns as a whole to bring about lasting improvements in individual and population health.

There are five overarching guidelines:

1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan.
2. Focus on variety, nutrient density and amount.
3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.
4. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices.
5. Support healthy eating patterns for all.

People should be encouraged to:

• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean protein and healthy oils
• Consume less than 10% percent of calories per day from added sugars
• Consume less than 10% of calories from saturated fat
• Limit sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day or less for people over age 14 and less for those younger

To learn more about the new Dietary Guidelines and how to use them go to www.dietaryguidelines.gov