On Friday, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule that labels should include a percent Daily Value for added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel. The proposal is an addition to a rule proposed by the agency in March as per which, food companies should include added sugars to Nutrition Facts labels.

The FDA has stated that added sugars are added by manufacturers while preparing them and it should not exceed 10% of calories consumed. These changes are considered to be the first ones being taken in 20 years.

Public comments will be taken for 75 days. The agency said they are open to both versions of comments and will consider them before coming up with a final ruling. The Sugar Association is not in favor of proposals. The association was of the view that the rules are based on ‘limited and weak scientific evidence’.

Dr. Susan Mayne with the FDA was of the view that the changes will let the government raise awareness among consumers about how much added sugar is not good for health. Mayne said if a candy bar is listed having a 49% of a person’s daily intake then he will be better informed to take a more informed choice.

“Scientific data shows that it is hard to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie requirements if you consume more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from added sugar”, said Mayne.