Proposed Food Labeling Act Aims To Clarify Vague Terms Like 'All-Natural' And Healthy

Food labels are not the most intuitive things on the face of the planet. Sure, you can comprehend the number of calories, but what exactly does all-natural, healthy, or reduced-fat actually mean to the average consumer? And why do suggested serving sizes rarely reflect our actual eating habits? The FDA wants to fix the Nutrition Facts confusion. House Democrats have introduced a new bill, the Food Labeling Modernization Act, which would require all food labels to be more specific, consumer-friendly, and realistic.

The bill would require specific guidelines for definitions of ambiguous terms like "all-natural," "health-conscious" and "made from whole grain." Manufacturers would also be required to list the amount of sugar not naturally occurring in the product, as well as label any caffeine over 10 mg per serving.

"Americans deserve to know what is in the food they eat," Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)said in a statement. "By empowering consumers with accurate, truthful and concise information, this legislation will enable them to make healthier choices and outsmart deceptive pitches and promotions."

The serving sizes on packaged foods would also change to reflect actual consumer habits. In all honesty, who only drinks a half a can of Coke anyway?