January 14, 2025
Washington, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) commends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the publication of its front-of-package nutrition labeling proposed rule, which aims to provide consumers with easily accessible nutrition information to make better decisions when choosing foods for themselves and their family. The proposal would require a standardized disclosure of the “high/medium/low” prevalence of sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat on the front of a food or beverage package.
Raw fresh fruits and vegetables are expected to be exempt from the mandatory disclosure label, as most contain no to minimal amounts of the nutrients disclosed. However, IFPA recognizes that more transparent labeling is a valuable tool in improving the overall food environment and assisting consumers in selecting foods that align with a healthy dietary pattern.
“Today, only one in ten Americans meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for fruits and vegetables. At the same time, most Americans are aware that consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is important to their health,” said Mollie Van Lieu, IFPA’s vice president of nutrition and health. “Today’s proposal is an important step forward in our fight to level the playing field for fruits and vegetables and we encourage Congress and FDA to continue to pursue more accurate and transparent labeling, including the quantity of fruits and vegetables per serving—expressed in easy-to-understand, household measures—for products making fruit or vegetable claims in name or with images.
“IFPA has long encouraged Congress and FDA to better regulate misleading labeling and marketing around fruits and vegetables. By continuing to prioritize transparency and accountability, we can ensure consumers have the information they need to build healthier lives. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress, FDA, and the incoming administration on this work.”
IFPA is proud to represent the full fresh produce supply chain which provides Americans with healthy, nutrient dense fruits and vegetables vital for reducing diet-related disease and fostering a healthier future for all.