Consumers have just scored a major victory against the sugar lobby, one that has the potential to reverse decades of debilitating chronic disease trends. For the first time ever, the FDA will require processed food manufacturers to inform consumers how much sugar has been added to their food.
The change is part of an overhaul of the ubiquitous Nutrition Facts label, the place where information such as calories, number of servings, and percentage of daily recommended amounts is listed on an estimated 800,000 packaged foods items.
The new line item for added sugar will allow consumers to see what has long been hidden from public view: that copious amounts of refined sugars are lurking in their salad dressings, beverages, condiments, and frozen dinner entrees.
