New Nutrition Facts Label for Potatoes

NutritionThe old (left) and the new (right) version of the potato nutrition facts label for fresh potatoes as developed by Potatoes USA to meet updated FDA guidance. (Courtesy: Potatoes USA)
A new label was released in the fall to meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revisions to the requirements for Nutrition Facts Labels.

Since that new label was released more guidance and changes have been provided by FDA prompting this updated version.

The FDA has made adjustments to their Recommended Daily Value of many nutrients, including several that appear on the potato nutrition label.

This changes the percentage of Daily Value listed on the label for the following:

  • Fiber: 7%
  • Calcium: 2%
  • Iron: 6%
  • Potassium: 15%
  • Vitamin C: 30%
  • Vitamin B6: 10%

Another thing to note is the change in the serving size to: 1 Potato = (148g/5.2oz).

Fortunately, none of these changes impact the “claims” that can be made in terms of “a good or excellent source of”, however any callouts on packaging will need to be adjusted to reflect these new Daily Value percentages.

The new label requirements are mostly good news for potatoes, particularly the required inclusion of potassium as it will increase awareness of this important nutrient and highlight the content of potatoes (particularly relative to other foods).

Most food manufacturers will be required to use the new label by July 26, 2018. Manufacturers with less than $10 million in annual food sales will have an additional year (until July 2019) to comply with the new rules.