Core Viewpoint - The National Health Commission has announced the new "National Food Safety Standard for Prepackaged Food Nutrition Labels," which will be implemented on March 16, 2027. The regulation mandates the labeling of "saturated fat or saturated fatty acids" and "sugar" as core items on nutrition labels, aiming to enhance consumer awareness of these components in food products [1][3]. Industry Changes - Over 80% of products from a food manufacturer in Jiangxi have already begun to comply with the new labeling standards ahead of the official implementation date [3]. - The new standard expands the mandatory labeling from "1+4" (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sodium) to "1+6," adding sugar and saturated fat, which is expected to help consumers make informed dietary choices [6]. Health Implications - Excessive intake of saturated fat is closely linked to cardiovascular diseases, with common sources including animal fats and fried foods [9]. - Nutrition experts emphasize that the new labeling will help consumers better manage their intake of fats and sugars, addressing the challenge of making healthy choices in a market where many products may appear healthy but contain high levels of these components [6][9]. Challenges for Food Manufacturers - Food manufacturers are facing the need to upgrade their product formulations in response to the new labeling requirements, shifting focus from price and taste to health and quality [10]. - Companies are preparing by conducting comprehensive testing of their products to establish accurate nutritional databases and are in the process of designing and replacing packaging to meet the new standards [12][14]. Industry Regulation and Consumer Rights - The new standard is seen as a necessary step towards regulating the food industry and protecting consumer rights by providing clearer nutritional information [15]. - The mandatory labeling is expected to empower consumers to make informed choices based on transparent data, countering misleading marketing practices [15].