Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Pallone
Introduced
Summary
Creates a standardized front-of-package symbol system to show calories and clear, easy-to-read signals for added sugars, sodium, saturated fat, and other nutrients so shoppers can compare products. It would also tighten how terms like "natural" and "healthy" are used, require clearer ingredient lists and new disclosures for caffeine and phosphorus, add gluten-containing grains to the major allergen list, and set deadlines for online labeling, data submission, and rulemaking.
Show full summary
- Families and shoppers would get a consistent symbol with calories and simple nutrient signals, plus required disclosures when packaging implies whole grains, fruit, vegetables, or yogurt.
- People with allergies and celiac concerns would see gluten-containing grains treated as a major allergen and FDA guidance updated within two years.
- Food makers and online sellers would face new formatting and data-submission rules, must provide claim substantiation within 90 days when requested, add phosphorus and caffeine statements, and could face penalties for noncompliant online listings.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.
Easier-to-read food labels
If enacted, most packaged foods would need a standard front-of-package symbol that shows calories per serving and highlights added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat. The bill would also require studies and new rules to improve label text size, color contrast, and ingredient-list legibility, and to make principal display panel claims show clear serving amounts and forms for fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and grains. These design and readability rules would take effect 3 years after enactment.
Update food standards and yogurt rules
If enacted, the Secretary would review standards of identity within 2 years and report to Congress. FDA would amend standards to allow salt substitutes where appropriate and set a minimum level of live and active cultures per gram for yogurt, lowfat yogurt, and nonfat yogurt. The review and report must occur not later than 2 years after enactment.
Deadlines for FDA label rules
If enacted, the Secretary would have to propose many food labeling rules within 1 year and finalize them within 2 years. If the Secretary does not finalize a proposed rule by the 2-year deadline, that proposed rule would become final on that deadline. The substantive label changes covered by those rules would apply beginning 3 years after enactment.
New rules for health and nutrient claims
If enacted, FDA would set a disqualifying level for added sugars within 2 years and allow a 'low added sugar' claim at 3 grams or less per reference amount (with a special 50 g rule for small reference amounts). The bill would tighten 'healthy' rules so grain-containing foods must be 100% whole grain to be 'healthy' and align sodium and added-sugars criteria with the FDA Daily Reference Value. Trans fat claims would be limited and must show adjacent saturated fat amounts when saturated fat exceeds 1 gram per serving. Foods (not supplements) with at least 10 mg caffeine per serving, foods with phosphorus, and foods with specified sugar substitutes or isolated fibers would need prominent disclosures or warnings. These changes would take effect 3 years after enactment.
Public label database and online notices
If enacted, manufacturers and importers would have to submit all label information (nutrition facts, ingredient list, front-panel image, allergens, and certain claims) to FDA and keep it current starting 3 years after enactment. The FDA would publish a public, searchable database of submitted labels. Online sellers would have to show required nutrition, ingredient, and allergen information on the first product page at the point of selection. Civil penalties could apply: up to $10,000 per violation (and up to $1,000,000 per proceeding) and up to $10,000 per day for knowingly failing to submit required label data.
New definitions for 'natural' and gluten
If enacted, FDA would define the term 'natural' for food labels (not dietary supplements), require a prominent statement explaining what 'natural' does and does not mean, and exclude artificial ingredients such as artificial flavors and added colors. The bill would also add statutory definitions for 'artificial', 'synthetic', 'gluten-containing grains' (wheat, rye, barley and hybrids), 'gluten', and online-sales terms. These definitions would take effect 3 years after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pallone
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
CT • D
Sponsored 4/20/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov