ADA backs FDA’s proposed front-of-package labeling rule

Says added sugars labeling will help fight tooth decay, improve public health

The ADA is expressing support for a proposed rule by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that would require front-of-package nutrition labeling on most prepackaged foods. The ADA submitted comments July 14 following the FDA’s publication of the rule in the Federal Register. 

In a formal letter addressed to the FDA, ADA leaders applauded the agency’s efforts to improve transparency and promote healthier dietary choices by including added sugars content in a standardized, interpretive “Nutrition Info” box. 

“We write to express our strong support for the proposed requirement to include added sugars content in a standardized, interpretive front-of-package ‘Nutrition Info’ box, and commend FDA for grounding this rulemaking in well-established, peer-reviewed science,” wrote ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., and Interim Executive Director Elizabeth Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D.

Drs. Kessler and Shapiro emphasized the clear link between sugar intake and dental caries, calling excess sugar consumption a “primary contributor” to tooth decay, which is the most common chronic disease in both children and adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 46% of U.S. children aged 2 to 19 have experienced dental caries in their permanent teeth, with significantly higher rates among low-income populations.

Highlighting that the average American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily — well above recommended limits — the ADA said it supports the FDA’s proposed use of a “Low,” “Medium” or “High” classification for added sugars content. The Association praised this approach for offering “meaningful and immediate context” to consumers, especially those with limited health literacy.

“This interpretive model is particularly important for populations with limited health literacy or numeracy skills,” the ADA noted, adding that such labeling can help consumers identify healthier products at a glance.

The ADA also urged the FDA to accompany the rollout of the new labeling system with a public education campaign to clarify the meaning of the terms and raise awareness of the health risks linked to added sugar consumption, particularly tooth decay. The letter reaffirmed the dental community’s commitment to support these efforts through patient education and outreach.

Calling the proposal “a cost-effective, population-level strategy,” Drs. Kessler and Shapiro encouraged the FDA to finalize the rule and offered its partnership to help advance the initiative.