Under the rule, labels for products containing 1 gram or more of “added sugars” per serving must indent “Includes ‘X’ g Added Sugars” beneath a declaration for “Total Sugars”. Labels for products containing less than 1 gram of added sugars are not required to declare the values if they do not make any sweetener or sugar claims. These labels may instead be required to display “Not a significant source of added sugars” at the bottom of the table of nutrient values.
The rule defines “added sugars” as “sugars that are added during food processing, or are packaged as such”, meaning they are packaged with the intention of being added to a food. The definition includes sugars from syrups and honey as well as sugars from concentrated juices that exceed amounts typically expected from 100 percent fruit or vegetable juices of the same volume and type. Labels for certain honey, maple syrup, and cranberry products are permitted to explain that these sugars are either naturally occurring or used to improve palatability.
FDA requires manufacturers to keep records of sugars added before and during processing as well as sugars packaged with the food as separate ingredients. If the sugars are reduced through fermentation or caramelization, the manufacturer may keep records of scientific data that verify the declared amount is correct or petition an alternative means of compliance. The manufacturer must justify the accuracy of all data. FDA requires records to be kept for two years following the product’s introduction to the U.S. market.
