New Guidelines and Update for Food Packaging from FDA

It was 2016 when the FDA (Food and Drug Authority) had released some new guidelines for food companies related to the ingredients and nutrients labeling.

In the USA, the FDA asked the food companies that are generating more than $10 million or above annually to set the new labels on their foods no later than January 1, 2020. Same orders for the companies who are generating less than $10 million annually, but the deadline is January 1, 2021.

Thus, what are the new guidelines from the FDA for food companies? What are the effects of these changes? What is the impact of food labeling guidelines on the customers? We will know the answers below in this article.

 Serving Size of the Food

The first change the Food and Drug Authority of the USA has made is the accurate information of the serving size or quantity of the food on the labels. On the old tags, the text size was small and hard to read the serving size of the food. In the new stickers, the size of the text and serving should be readable. Thus, companies have to use a larger font size and bold text to be notable. FDA has given these instructions to make the consumption quantity clear for the consumers.

Size of Calories Content

Along with the serving size of the packaging, the FDA has issued new guidelines for calorie content. They have clearly instructed the food making companies that they have to mention the text of the calorie content in the notable and bold font. Now, consumers are conscious about their health and calorie intake. Many people use diet apps to calculate the daily calories they can take; therefore, every product should significantly indicate the total calories in the large font size.

Consumers buy eatables after reading the number of calories in the food. Thus, a sizeable and understandable text can allow them a clear choice for purchasing the food.

Font Size of the Sugar

The FDA did not change the rules for the font size of the sugar. However, under the head of the total carbohydrates, they have added a new line. From now onward, the food companies have to write the total number of sugar and energy on the labels.

On the previous labels of the eatables, the total quantity of carbohydrates was unavailable. Now, consumers could know the amount and grams of sugar and the total number of carbs in their food.

Daily Percentage Value

In the old labels of the food packaging, it was under to know the daily percentages. Now, due to the new guidelines, a consumer can know the total value of the nutrients and ingredients.

Now, the food labels are providing sound information about the content and total nutrients percentages. It is easy for consumers to make clear choices in food.

List of Nutrients

Another information, the FDA has instructed to add in the labels is required nutrients. Now, the food companies have to write the actual amount of the substances that are essential for daily nourishment.

Now, the food tags have to declare the total number of vitamins like Vitamin D, Potassium, Calcium, and Iron. However, there is no significant rule to add the names of Vitamin C and A, but a company can write it voluntarily.

Impact of FDA Guidelines on Food Companies and Consumers

When it comes to food companies, they need to adopt the guidelines and change their labels. Otherwise, they have to face hefty fines. Well, due to the updates, they can meet an immense change in their sales. People are now conscious of calories, calcium, vitamins, minerals, iron, and carbohydrates intake. If the nutrients have shown clear percentages, they can inflate their sales.Well, now consumers want to follow their proper diet due to the health issues; thus, they read the labels and then buy the products.

Interactive Packaging – Best to Allure your Customers

These days, the style of packaging plays a vital role in engaging and alluring customers. They can inspire people and engage them in different fun activities like coloring, crushing, folding, reading, playing games, etc. Through the interactive packaging, a consumer can connect with the brand and product. Well, I must say, this is the goal and strategy of interactive packagings.

Interactive Packaging

As I mentioned above, the purpose of interactive packaging is to interact with their customers. Consumers get engaged with the product and the color, style, and aesthetic looks of the boxes. After using the products which packed in interactive packs, they miss the packaging more than the product or brand. An example of the interactive packaging is, wine bottles having, "connect the dots label". This strategy invites customers to drink and draw things. Thus, they buy it more and more to create characters upon the labels.

Let’s take another example of interactive packaging. A T-shirt box that has folding instructions. The guidelines indicate the ways which can turn the packaging into a cloth hanger.

Advantages of Interactive Packaging

The first and foremost advantage of interactive packaging is its engaging quality. It can pull the customers into a strong relationship with the product and packing. It has unique ways to interact with the public and offers them multiple opportunities to get involved in fun activities. It does not matter whatever technology you use as a business company. Both are virtually successful strategies either it is digital printing or analog.

The companies that use interactive packaging can bring a smile on the faces of customers. People wait for their new product just to make cartoon characters, games and read the stories up there on the labels. Thus, you can boost your profit through interactive packaging. You can enhance your annual sales. Moreover, you can turn your small enterprise into a big and known brand through your allure packaging goals.

Apart from the customer's interaction and engaging ability, you can win on your competitors. Due to the advancement of technology, there are thousands of ways to attract public and inflate sales. Thus, your business needs a tactic which is helpful for you in all the ways. By using the unique abilities of the interactive packaging, you will get a leg up on your competitors.

Disadvantages of the Interactive Packaging

Well, despite some potential advantages, interactive packaging has a few drawbacks. The first problem that arises with the use of these boxes is, it’s recyclability. Therefore, these are not 100% safe for our environment. It has a topping which cannot be recycled; however, the whole packaging is not reprocess able. It is difficult to reuse the interactive packaging due to some aesthetic products used in its making. Thus, before choosing the perfect packaging for your products, do keep in mind its environmental impact.

Moreover, it is a costly option. Every business cannot afford such a huge investment. Especially, for small enterprises, it will be the worst decision to opt-out of the interactive packaging. Due to the advanced colors, characters, designs, and looks, it is a bit expensive option in the world of packaging.

Can you Use the Interactive Packaging for your Products?

After reading the impressive qualities of the interactive packaging, the question arises in the mind is can you use this packing for your products. Well, the fortunate answer is, yes you can use the interactive boxes and labels. This is suitable for every type of product.

As a business, you can use the interactive packaging for your food items, drinks, apparel, decorations, appliances, electronics, every item you are selling online, crockery, glass items, and anything else come to your mind. If you want your customer's attention and their sincere engagement towards your brand, you must use these boxes.