The short answer
FDA has proposed that most packaged foods carry a black-and-white “Nutrition Info” box on the front of the package, rating saturated fat, sodium and added sugars as Low, Med or High. The proposal was published on January 16, 2025 (90 FR 5426). It is not final yet — as of November 2026 FDA has not issued a final rule, so the box is not required today.
If it is finalized as proposed, companies with $10 million or more in annual food sales would have 3 years after the rule takes effect to comply, and smaller companies 4 years.
| Item | Proposal |
|---|---|
| Rule | Food Labeling: Front-of-Package Nutrition Information — proposed new 21 CFR 101.6 (docket FDA-2024-N-2910) |
| Published | January 16, 2025; comments closed July 15, 2025 after an extension |
| What it shows | Saturated fat, sodium and added sugars, each rated Low, Med or High |
| Ratings | Based on % Daily Value per serving: 5% DV or less is “Low”, 20% DV or more is “High”, in between is “Med” |
| Status (November 2026) | Proposed only — no final rule |
| Compliance if finalized | 3 years after the effective date ($10 million+ annual food sales); 4 years for smaller businesses |
What the box would look like
The proposed box sits on the principal display panel (the front) and says “Nutrition Info”, with three lines: Saturated Fat, Sodium and Added Sugars, each followed by its % Daily Value and the word Low, Med or High. Calories are not part of the box. It would not replace the Nutrition Facts panel on the back or side — that stays.
Example: a cookie from Türkiye
If a serving of cookies has 15% DV saturated fat, 4% DV sodium and 24% DV added sugars, the box would read: Saturated Fat Med, Sodium Low, Added Sugars High.
Which foods would be covered
The proposal covers most foods that must carry a Nutrition Facts label and are marketed to people aged 4 and over. Foods for children under 4 are excluded, and foods already exempt from Nutrition Facts (under 21 CFR 101.9(j)) would generally not need the box. Check the final rule for the exact exemptions when it is published.
What exporters should do now
- 1Do not add the box yetIt is not required, and the final design or thresholds could change.
- 2Get the Nutrition Facts rightThe box would be calculated from your Nutrition Facts values. Make sure they are accurate and in the U.S. format now.
- 3Check your numbersWork out where your products would land — many sweets, sauces and snacks would show at least one “High”. That can guide reformulation.
- 4Leave room on the front panelWhen you next redesign packaging, plan space for a small box.
- 5Watch for the final ruleThe compliance clock only starts when the final rule takes effect.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the front-of-package Nutrition Info box required?
No, not yet. FDA proposed it in January 2025 but had not issued a final rule as of November 2026.
What would the box show?
Saturated fat, sodium and added sugars, each with a Low, Med or High rating based on the % Daily Value per serving.
When would companies have to comply?
Under the proposal, 3 years after the final rule’s effective date for businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales, and 4 years for smaller businesses.
Does it replace the Nutrition Facts label?
No. The Nutrition Facts panel remains required. The front box would be in addition to it.
Sources
- FDA — Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling
- Federal Register — Proposed rule, 90 FR 5426 (January 16, 2025)
- FDA — FDA issues proposed rule on front-of-package nutrition labeling
- InfoLawGroup — Status of the front-of-package rule (June 2026)
Status and dates checked on November 11, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.