The Food Labeling Modernization Act has been reintroduced to Congress by House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). It was first introduced more than a decade ago.

Notably, the legislation would direct the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a standardized front-of-package nutrition labeling system in a timely manner. It would also require updates to the ingredient list on packaged foods and apply “consumer-friendly” labeling requirements.

For example, the bill would:

• Create a standardized symbol system for calorie information related to serving size
• Set conditions for the use of fruit- and vegetable-related terms, the terms “natural” and “healthy,” and nutrient- and health-related terms
• Reformat the ingredient list to improve readability
• Set requirements for phosphorous declarations and caffeine content listings
• Require information to be provided about major food allergens and gluten-containing grains
• Require sugar alcohol and isolate fiber disclosures, and warning labels when exceeding certain amounts
• Mandate that food sold online is listed with the information required to appear on its label
• Initiate surveillance of food manufacturers’ use of low- and no-calorie sweeteners
• Initiate a study on the fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid.

According to the office of Rep. Pallone, food labeling requirements in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act have not been updated since 1990, and in some cases, have not been changed since 1938. Therefore, Reps. Pallone and DeLauro aim to close gaps in oversight left by outdated regulations.

“The Food Labeling Modernization Act will create easy-to-read labels on the front of packages that provide consumers with nutrition information and important warnings,” said Rep. Pallone. “The goal is to make it a little easier for everyone to know what they’re buying and to stop misleading health claims.”

The bill will be discussed alongside 27 other active bills related to food safety at a Congressional hearing on April 29.