
Proposed FDA Label Changes Could Have Big Impact Louisiana Shoppers
LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Louisiana shoppers may see a big change in their groceries if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration follows through on a proposed rule.
For 30 years, nutritional facts about the foods we buy and eat have been available on food packages we buy from our grocery stores. However, the FDA appears to be looking at a proposal that would make those labels more forward-facing.

Nutrition Labels on Our Food
Prior to 1990, nutritional labeling on foods wasn't something Americans saw in their grocery stores.
With the passing of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990, labels were mandated on packaged foods, meant to help consumers make informed choices and encouraging companies to produce healthier products.
The Nutrition Facts label as we know it now debuted in 1994, featuring a simple black-and-white design that has since become iconic.
There have been various changes over the years. A new line for "added sugars" was introduced in 2020, becoming the first major addition since trans fat in 2006.
FDA's Proposed Label Changes for 2028
The FDA is looking into a new rule that would put the nutrition facts not on the back or side of packaging, but on the front, substantially impacting the way we literally see food.
The proposed rule would impose front-of-package labels on packaged foods and drinks, displaying levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar, classifying these nutrients as "low," "medium," or "high" to help consumers make healthier choices at a glance.
The reason behind the change? According to the FDA, it's meant to combat high rates of diet-related chronic illnesses - the most common of which being heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Will It Work?
According to CNBC, the idea isn't new. Globally, several countries have implemented several similar ideas.
Dozens of countries, including the United Kingdom, Mexico, Chile, Australia and New Zealand, have implemented similar measures.
In 2016, Chile introduced mandatory labels on the front of packaging, alerting consumers to high levels of sugar, saturated fat and other potentially harmful ingredients.
In 2022, Brazil also implemented mandatory front-of-package labels for products.
Health experts believe that, at worst, it can't hurt, and the potential impact on those diet-related chronic conditions would be worth the change.
“Research is relatively clear that having very simplistic front of packaging labeling does catch people’s attention, but the second step to that is whether or not it changes purchasing behaviors,” Colleen Tewksbury, an assistant professor of nutrition science at the University of Pennsylvania, told CNBC. “We really don’t know if it’s going to fully impact people’s purchasing habits.”
How Will It Impact Louisiana?
The Bayou State maintains high obesity and heart disease rates, prompting state health officials to routinely issue warnings about the foods we eat. Any impact from the new forward-facing labeling could be seen as a step in the right direction, as far as Louisiana goes.
Louisiana also has a high rate of Type 2 diabetes and related conditions, which only further highlights the need for change. Labeling that makes shoppers reconsider their purchases might go a long way to help bring those rates down.
How It Plays Out
The FDA will hold a public comment period, where Louisiana residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposed rule. If the federal agency decides to move forward with the change, it is not expected to take effect until 2028.
However, there is an argument to be made for better nutritional education in America, whether or not the high sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar should be made more visible on food packaging is a large part of that.
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Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham