A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026 aims to update the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to improve how nutritional information is presented to consumers. It introduces a standardized symbol system for front-of-package labeling to help people make healthier food choices. The bill tightens requirements for terms like "whole grain," "fruit," "vegetable," and "healthy" to ensure they are used accurately. It also updates regulations for allergen and gluten-containing grain labeling to improve safety. Additionally, the Act mandates specific disclosures for caffeine, phosphorus, and certain sweeteners. Finally, it establishes new rules for providing nutritional information when food is sold online.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +6
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill enhances consumer protection by mandating clearer, more accurate nutritional and allergen information on food labels.
- Scored +5
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The enhanced labeling for allergens and gluten-containing grains significantly benefits individuals with food allergies and celiac disease.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the Secretary to maintain a public, searchable database of food labeling information.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill imposes new labeling, disclosure, and online reporting requirements that may increase operational costs for food manufacturers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Nutritional Awareness: The creation of a standardized symbol system for front-s of package labeling will display calorie information and key nutrients like added sugars, sodium, and saturated fat, helping consumers maintain healthy dietary practices. (Section 2)
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Clearer Grain Claims: Products using terms like "whole wheat" or "multigrain" would be required to disclose the actual percentage of whole grains compared to refined grains, preventing misleading claims. (Section 2)
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Accurate Fruit and Vegetable Labeling: If a product uses images or terms suggesting it contains fruit or vegetables, the specific quantity and nutrient-dense form must be declared on the principal display panel. (Section 2)
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Enhanced Allergen Safety: The bill expands food allergen labeling to include gluten-containing grains and requires more specific information about where those allergens come from. (Section 8, Section 9)
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Transparent Online Shopping: Consumers purchasing food online will have access to required nutritional and allergen information at the point of selection before they buy. (Section 15)
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Public Access to Information: The Secretary will maintain a public database where consumers can easily search and sort food labeling information. (Section 10)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Warnings on Specific Ingredients: Consumers may see warnings on food packaging regarding the presence of allulose, polydextrose, sugar alcohols, or isolated fibers if they exceed certain levels. (Section 13)
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Increased Label Complexity: Manufacturers may be required to include more prominent disclosures for terms like "natural," which could include detailed explanations of what the term does and does not mean. (Section 4)
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Potential for Civil Penalties: Companies that fail to submit required label information or fail to provide necessary information for online sales may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day or higher. (Section 10, Section 15)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The enhanced labeling for allergens and gluten-containing grains significantly benefits individuals with food allergies and celiac disease. Would children be better off under this? — Improved nutritional labeling can help parents make healthier food choices for their children. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The mandated study on folic acid intake aims to address public health disparities related to nutrient exposure by race and ethnicity. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Clearer nutrition information can assist low-income households in making more informed, cost-effective dietary choices.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Secretary to maintain a public, searchable database of food labeling information.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill enhances consumer protection by mandating clearer, more accurate nutritional and allergen information on food labels. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill imposes new labeling, disclosure, and online reporting requirements that may increase operational costs for food manufacturers.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill expands allergen and gluten labeling, which increases safety and accessibility for people with food sensitivities and celiac disease.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Improved nutritional transparency helps consumers make healthier dietary choices, which can improve long-term public health outcomes.
- 10/26/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Rosa DeLauroDemocrat · Connecticut
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California