Guidelines for Declaring Nutritional Information on Food Labels Under the New Regulations (2026)

Guidelines for declaring nutritional information on food labels have become a key concern for food manufacturers and businesses as food labeling requirements continue to evolve. Staying up to date with the latest regulations not only helps businesses remain compliant with applicable laws but also improves product transparency and strengthens consumer confidence. Below are the key points that businesses should understand.

Ministry of Health Issues New Guidelines on Declaring Nutritional Information on Food Labels

On 9 July 2026, the Minister of Health issued Circular No. 30/2026/TT-BYT, providing guidance on the content and presentation of nutritional components and nutrition information on food labels. The issuance of this regulation aims to standardize the way nutritional information is presented on food labels across products available on the market. It also provides a clear legal basis for organizations and individuals to comply with labeling requirements while enabling consumers to better understand the nutritional value of the products they purchase. In addition to specifying the information that must be included, the regulation also provides detailed guidance on presentation formats, units of measurement, labeling principles, and the application of these requirements in different situations.

How Should Nutritional Information Be Displayed on Food Labels?

One of the key aspects of the new regulation is the standardization of how nutritional information is presented on food labels. Accordingly, energy value must be expressed in kilocalories (kcal). The amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat, saturated fat, and total sugars must be expressed in grams (g), while sodium must be expressed in milligrams (mg). This information must be declared based on:

• 100 grams of food;
• 100 milliliters of food;
• One serving size specified on the label; or
• Each individual package where the number of servings per package is declared.

By standardizing both the units of measurement and the method of presentation, consumers can more easily compare the nutritional value of similar products, while businesses benefit from a consistent approach to food labeling.

Businesses May Voluntarily Provide Reference Daily Value Percentages

In addition to the mandatory nutritional information, the new regulation allows organizations and individuals to voluntarily include the percentage (%) of reference daily values for the prescribed nutritional components. Although this is optional, businesses that choose to provide this additional information must present it in accordance with the appendix accompanying the regulation. Displaying the percentage of reference daily values can help consumers better understand how a product contributes to their daily nutritional intake. However, to ensure consistency and accuracy, businesses must follow the prescribed calculation methods and presentation requirements.

Requirements for Presenting Nutritional Information on Food Labels

Beyond specifying what information must appear on food labels, the regulation also sets out requirements regarding how that information should be presented. Nutritional values must be expressed numerically and include all required nutritional components in accordance with the regulation. The information must be placed in a location where it is clearly visible and easy for consumers to read. In addition, the presentation of nutritional information must comply with the general principles governing food labeling to ensure consistency, transparency, and accessibility across food products available on the market. Regarding the acceptable tolerance range for nutritional values, businesses are required to comply with Clause 1, Article 49 of Government Decree No. 37/2026/NĐ-CP.

When Do the New Requirements Take Effect?

The new regulation takes effect on 10 July 2026. For food products that were manufactured, traded, imported, or circulated in Vietnam before 1 January 2026 and whose labels do not yet include nutritional information in accordance with the new requirements, those products may continue to be circulated and used until the expiry date indicated on their labels. This transitional provision gives businesses sufficient time to manage products already available on the market while minimizing disruptions to manufacturing and commercial activities during the implementation of the new requirements.

Conclusion

Guidelines for declaring nutritional information on food labels provide businesses with a clearer framework for presenting nutritional content in a consistent and compliant manner. By understanding and implementing these requirements, businesses can ensure regulatory compliance while enhancing the transparency of product information for consumers. Green NRJ will continue to keep businesses informed of the latest regulatory developments, helping them stay compliant and respond effectively to changes in the legal landscape.