Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026

Key Points

• Food packages would need a new front-of-package symbol system showing calorie info, added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat levels. The symbols must be large, easy to read, and clearly show whether a product is more or less nutritious, so shoppers can make quick decisions without needing to flip the package over.
• The bill creates strict rules for terms like "natural" and "healthy." Foods with refined grains cannot be labeled "healthy," and any product using the word "natural" must include a clear explanation of what that term means. The FDA would define "natural" based on consumer surveys and data about how people actually understand the word.
• Online grocery shopping would get the same label protections as in-store shopping. Websites and apps must display nutrition facts, ingredients, and allergen info on the first product page before purchase, and platforms cannot charge extra to show this information or block it from appearing.
• Allergen labeling would expand to cover gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye, and barley alongside traditional major allergens. The FDA would also gain authority to add new allergens to the official list based on how common and severe allergic reactions are.
• Food manufacturers would be required to submit all label information to a new public database run by the FDA. Anyone could search and compare products online. Companies that fail to submit face fines of up to $10,000 per day.
• Products containing sugar alcohols, isolated fibers, or allulose would need to display that fact prominently on the front of the package, with warnings if amounts reach levels the FDA determines could cause health problems.