Following up on a proposal to list “added sugars” on revamped Nutrition Facts labels, the US Food and Drug Administration called for also expressing those amounts as a percentage of a recommended maximum Daily Value (DV). The plan would use a guideline of no more than 10% of calories from added sugars; for a 2,000-calorie daily diet, that means a DV of 50 grams. For clarity, the FDA also said it was considering whether to use “total sugars” on the label rather than just “sugars” if the listing is expanded to break out “added sugars.”
The agency explained, “The FDA considered the scientific evidence that the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) used, which showed that it is difficult to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie requirements if one exceeds 10% of total calories from added sugar, and has determined that this information supports this daily value for added sugars.” Although all sugars affect the body similarly, the FDA noted, “When sugars are added to foods and beverages to sweeten them, they add calories without providing additional nutrients.”
Both the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Sugar Association expressed concerns about the proposal. A public comment period on the plan will wrap up in October.