Steube and Soto Introduce Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Greg Steube (R-Fla.) and Darren Soto (D-Fla.) introduced today the Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act. This bill would strengthen the FDA’s requirements for food nutrition labels by reducing the nutrition labeling deviation threshold from 20% to 5%.
“Americans have a right to accurate information about the food products they buy at the grocery store,” said Rep. Steube. “While families are making healthier choices about the food they eat, it is unacceptable that food manufacturers are allowed a 20% margin of error for the nutrition labels on their products. That is why Congressman Soto and I are introducing the Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act. Making America healthy again starts with accurate reporting on nutrition labels so that families can make informed decisions when filling out their grocery lists.”
“I am thrilled to work on this initiative with Rep. Steube to ensure food nutrition labels reflect the most accurate nutritional information,” said Rep. Soto. “Misbranded nutritional content can lead to serious effects for people who are diabetic or have sugar-sodium sensitivities, as food companies often take advantage of relaxed regulations. This bill will reduce the deviation threshold to promote consistency and build consumer trust.”
The Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act is supported by The Honest Food Council.
“The Honest Food Council applauds Congressman Steube and Congressman Soto for their swift leadership following our December meeting in Washington. They listened to consumers and responsible brands and manufacturers, drafted meaningful legislative language, and are taking action to ensure nutrition labels reflect reality. Updating the outdated 20% threshold to 5% is a timely, common-sense change that reflects today’s marketplace and today’s expectations for transparency. This legislation aligns with the Honest Food Council’s mission to protect families through honesty, transparency, and consistency in our food system. This is bipartisan because consumers in every community—and the companies working to serve them—deserve truthful labeling and fair, consistent standards.” —Benno Tross, President of The Honest Food Council
Background: Under current law, food nutrition labels are permitted to deviate up to 20% from the actual nutritional content of a food item. This can create serious problems for Americans with health conditions, including individuals suffering from diabetes or sensitivities to sugar and sodium. The Ensuring Consistency in Nutrition Labels Act would correct this problem by requiring the FDA to amend the deviation threshold from 20% to 5%, thereby ensuring better consistency with nutrition labeling.
Read the full bill text here.