Front-of-package (FOP) food labeling highlighting key nutrients like sodium, saturated fat and added sugars can serve as a catalyst for empowering consumers to make healthier, more informed dietary choices and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new ACC Concise Clinical Guidance report published in JACC.

The report, which reviews current evidence on FOP effectiveness, provides key considerations for implementing a transparent, science-based policy that prioritizes public health and offers clear direction to food manufacturers. It also endorses U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) efforts to develop a standardized FOP labeling system in the U.S., highlighting FOP experiences in 44 other countries that have shown increased consumer awareness, improved purchasing patterns and, in some cases, industry changes to products themselves.

"Nutrition is foundational to cardiovascular health; however, the overabundance of food choices and inconsistent messaging have created confusion among the public," said Writing Committee Chair Kim Allan Williams, MD, MACC. "FOP labeling presents an opportunity to translate nutrition science into real-world consumer guidance and provide a rapid, visual cue at the point of purchase that highlights nutrients most relevant to chronic disease risk like saturated fat, sodium and added sugars."

According to the report, FOP labels would complement current "Nutrition Facts" on the back of packaging, not replace them, and would use illustrations, symbols and systems that are easy to understand. For example, the "Traffic Light Approach," which uses red, yellow and green to indicate whether a product contains high, medium or low amounts of fats, sugar or sodium, is one common approach used to more easily assist individuals in understanding nutritional values and increase the reach of nutrition education.

Clinician roles in educating patients on healthy diets that are lower in saturated fat, added sugars and sodium and higher in minimally processed foods, fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains are also emphasized. "As the FDA moves toward implementation, clinician engagement is essential," say Williams, et al.

Guidance is provided on how to counsel patients on sustainability, food safety concerns and how to interpret nutrition labels, stressing the need for patience, empathy and cultural competence in order to meet patients "where they are."

"When coupled with clinician education and culturally sensitive counseling, FOP labeling helps overcome barriers related to health literacy, culture and socioeconomic constraints," the document states. "Integrating these approaches into practice empowers both clinicians and patients to make sustainable, informed food choices, ultimately improving cardiovascular outcomes at the individual and population levels."