This is a proposed rule, not a requirement. The FDA published it in January 2025 and the comment period has closed, but it has not been finalized. Nothing below is in effect yet, and the details could change or the proposal could be withdrawn. Treat this as a preview, not current law.
What the FDA proposed
On January 16, 2025, the FDA published a proposed rule that would require a front-of-package (FOP) nutrition label — which the agency calls the 'Nutrition Info box' — on the principal display panel of most foods that already carry a Nutrition Facts label. It's meant to complement, not replace, the Nutrition Facts panel on the back.
What the box would show
The proposed Nutrition Info box would display three nutrients to limit — saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars — each with its %DV per serving and an interpretive label of 'Low,' 'Med,' or 'High.' The proposed cutoffs:
| Marker | Per serving (%DV) |
|---|---|
| Low | 5% DV or less |
| Med | 6% to 19% DV |
| High | 20% DV or more |
The FDA chose these three nutrients because the Dietary Guidelines advise limiting them. Notably, the proposal does not include calories, and it would show the level for all three nutrients (not only those that are 'High'). The design would be black-and-white — the same typeface as the Nutrition Facts label — with no traffic-light colors, which the FDA's consumer testing found performed best.
Who it would cover, and when
If finalized, the box would be required on most packaged foods that bear a Nutrition Facts label, with certain exemptions. The FDA proposed phased timelines: about three years to comply for manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales, and four years for those under $10 million — counted from a final rule, which does not yet exist.
Why it matters (if it happens)
Front-of-pack schemes like this exist in many countries, and research suggests at-a-glance labels can nudge both shoppers and manufacturers toward lower saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. The FDA also proposed tightening the 'low sodium' and 'low saturated fat' claim definitions to match. For now, though, the only nutrition panel you're guaranteed to find is the Nutrition Facts label on the back.
We treat this as a proposal until the FDA issues a final rule. If you're making labeling decisions today, design to the current requirements and watch for the final FOP rule before changing your front panel.