Measure Would Create Uniform Standards For Front-Label Packaging
A group of Democrats in the House and Senate have introduced HR 4061, the Food Labeling Modernization Act, which seeks to standardize labeling on the front of food packages as well as regulate the use of certain words in the marketing and sale of products. Politico reported the measure “would mandate front-of-package labels and limit which foods can be labeled as ‘natural.’” Regulation of the term “natural” would be “based in part on how consumers understand the term,” Politico said. The new legislation is an update to a bill first introduced in 2013. This time the bill seeks to “further limit the industry’s use of the word ‘healthy’ on food products by aligning it with the FDA’s proposed language for handling added sugars.” The measure would also bar foods from being “labeled healthy unless half of the grains are whole grains.” Bill sponsors include Reps. Frank Pallone and Rosa DeLauro and Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Ed Markey, but no Republicans are on board yet, making the bill a “long shot,” Politico said.
The Hill reported that the measure “directs” the secretary of Health and Human Services “to create a single standard for front-of-package labeling required for all food products.” The bill would also authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to “develop new guidelines that define when the words ‘healthy’ or ‘made with whole grain’ can be used and force manufacturers to list percent daily values for calories and sugar, as well as the amount of sugar that is not naturally occurring, on the Nutrition Facts label.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) “said the measure is a common sense solution to the deceptive and confusing dietary information listed on the products that fill grocery store shelves now,” the Hill reported.
What This Means For Small Businesses
Small businesses operating in the agriculture and foods sectors face increasing burdens under the proposed food labeling measure. Although public safety is important in ensuring that US consumers have access to safe, nutritious foods, adding additional oversight to packaging and labeling of foods will simply increase costs for businesses creating these products. These costs may eventually be passed on to consumers, making efforts like this bill a no-win for US small businesses and consumers alike.
Additional Reading
The Chicago Tribune also reported on the food labeling bill.
Note: this article is intended to keep small business owners up on the latest news. It does not necessarily represent the policy stances of NFIB.
