Emmanuel Asenso Jr, DO, MPH

jacc.org/doi/epdf/10.1016/j.… @uofl @UofLMedicine @ACCinTouch @UofLHealth Big day for Cardiology - - if everyone reads and adopts these principles, we can save our patients, save our healthcare system. Top 10 Things We Need to Know About This Article! Front-of-Package (FOP) Labeling Is a Clinical Tool Clear, interpretive food labels can support patient behavior change between clinic visits, acting as “nutrition prompts” at the point of purchase. CVD Is Still America’s Leading Killer—and Food Is the #1 Risk Factor Poor diet accounts for more cardiometabolic deaths than smoking. Improving food environments is critical to population health. The ACC Formally Endorses FOP Labeling to Support Heart Health This document is the first cardiology society consensus explicitly supporting the FDA’s FOP labeling initiative as a strategy to reduce chronic disease. Saturated Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, and Added Sugar Are Priority Nutrients to Limit The statement highlights these “nutrients of concern” for cardiovascular disease and calls for prominent display on front labels. Plant-Based, Fiber-Rich, and Unsaturated Fat Sources Are Underconsumed Labeling can also help promote consumption of beneficial nutrients, aligning with AHA/ACC dietary recommendations. Evidence Supports Interpretive Labels (e.g., Traffic Light, Warning Icons) International data show that interpretive FOP formats outperform numeric-only systems in guiding healthier choices, especially in low-literacy populations. Labels Can Drive Food Industry Reformulation Beyond consumer behavior, FOP labels have prompted manufacturers in other countries to reduce sodium, cholesterol, sugar, and trans fat content. FOP Labeling Reduces Health Disparities Standardized, easy-to-use labels empower vulnerable populations to make informed decisions, potentially closing diet-related outcome gaps. Clinicians Should Teach FOP Literacy The article provides visual tools (e.g., Figures 3 and 4) to help providers explain and apply label information during patient counseling. Policy, Practice, and Public Health Must Align The ACC urges regulatory agencies, clinicians, and payers to recognize food labeling as an upstream intervention that improves long-term outcomes and may reduce healthcare costs.