The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990, implemented in 1994, provided the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to require nutrition labeling on packaged foods and require that certain nutrient-related claims be consistent with agency regulations. The objectives of the NLEA were to clear up confusion about label information, help consumers make healthful food choices, and encourage manufacturers to produce healthier food products. Specific nutrients were required to be listed, including calories, calories from fat, saturated fat, and sugars; and the nutrient information per serving had to be placed in the context of a daily diet. In 2003, regulation for labeling of trans fat was added.
Nutrition Labeling Timeline
1990 U.S. Congress passes Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA), mandating nutrition labeling of packaged foods
1994 NLEA implemented by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
2003 FDA adds trans fat to label requirements
2003 FDA Obesity Working Group formed and directed to improve food labels to assist consumers in preventing weight gain and reducing obesity
2004 FDA Obesity Working Group recommends giving calories more prominence on food label and highlight enforcement of serving size accuracy on labels
2009 FDA initiates research on 'front-of-package' labeling
2010 US Congress passes Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act that mandates calorie labeling of foods sold in restaurants and vending machines
