American College of Cardiology supports front of package nutrition labeling
Easy to understand nutrition labels on front of food can help consumers make heart healthy choices
Simplifying nutrition information can empower consumers to make healthier, more informed dietary choices and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to guidance issued by the American College of Cardiology and published in JACC, its flagship journal. The new guidance supports a standardized front-of-packaging food labeling system that highlights key nutrients to limit or encourage.
Diet-related chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, disproportionately affecting individuals from certain racial and ethnic groups and those of lower socioeconomic status. Following healthy dietary patterns, including a low intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars, is associated with a reduced risk of obesity, CVD, Type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer. Conversely, diets rich in whole
grains, fruits, vegetables, fiber and unsaturated fats are associated with lower morbidity and mortality.
“Nutrition is foundational to cardiovascular health; however, the overabundance of food choices and inconsistent messaging have created confusion among the public,” said Kim Allan Williams, MD, MACC, chair of the writing committee and chair of the University of Louisville Department of Medicine. “Front of package 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.”
In January 2025, the FDA proposed a new nutrition info label for the front of food packages that highlights the percentage of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars per serving, plus classifies each as high, medium or low. Currently, nutrition facts are typically located on the back or side of a food package and provide detailed information on calorie content, macronutrients, micronutrients and ingredients per serving.
Front of package labels would complement current Nutrition Facts, not replace them. The labels would use illustrations, symbols and systems that are easy to understand, helping consumers convey useful nutrition-related information to make healthier dietary choices. One commonly used method for front of package labels is the “Traffic Light Approach,” which uses the colors red, yellow and green to indicate whether a product contains high, medium or low amounts of fats, sugar or sodium. This color-coded approach is thought to assist less health-conscious and nutrition-minded individuals in understanding nutritional values and increase the reach of nutrition education.
The ACC guidance outlines the rationale for supporting FDA-led front of package labeling as a transparent, science-based policy that prioritizes public health and offers clear direction to food manufacturers. The document reviews evidence on the effectiveness of front of package labeling in 44 other countries and highlights key considerations for implementation in the U.S.
The guidance also serves as a flowchart to guide clinician–patient conversations about healthy eating. The 2019 ACC/AHA Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Guideline recommends a plant-forward diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and fish with avoidance of processed meats, refined carbohydrates and trans fats; however, clinicians receive limited formal training in nutrition and often do not adhere to these guidelines themselves.
“The average clinician spends less than three minutes on nutrition counseling during a patient visit,” Williams said. “The front of package labeling can serve as bridge during these conversations by providing nutrition education at the point of decision-making and guide clinician/patient conversations about heart-healthy food choices.”
Nutrition and Front-of-Package Food Labeling as a Catalyst for Cardiovascular Health: 2025 ACC Concise Clinical Guidance will be available in JACC on Dec. 5, 2025, at 10 am ET. For an embargoed copy, contact Olivia Walther at owalther@acc.org.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is a global leader dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. For more than 75 years, the ACC has empowered a community of over 60,000 cardiovascular professionals across more than 140 countries with cutting-edge education and advocacy, rigorous professional credentials, and trusted clinical guidance. From its world-class JACC Journals and NCDR registries to its Accreditation Services, global network of Chapters and Sections, and CardioSmart patient initiatives, the College is committed to creating a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or connect on social media at @ACCinTouch.
The ACC’s JACC Journals rank among the top cardiovascular journals in the world for scientific impact. The flagship journal, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) — and specialty journals consisting of JACC: Advances, JACC: Asia, JACC: Basic to Translational Science, JACC: CardioOncology, JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging, JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, JACC: Case Reports, JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology and JACC: Heart Failure — pride themselves on publishing the top peer-reviewed research on all aspects of cardiovascular disease. Learn more at JACC.org.
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Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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