How one man's nutrition labels changed the food industry forever

For over half a century, the nutrition labels on food and drinks have shaped how consumers make choices. The man behind this change is Peter Barton Hutt, who introduced America’s first standardised nutrition labels. His work has since appeared on billions of products worldwide and set a lasting standard for transparency in the industry. Hutt’s breakthrough came more than 50 years ago when he developed the format for nutrition labels. He took inspiration from the National Canners Association, which proposed gathering all key details in one place. Beyond just the idea, he defined what information should appear and even determined the font size to ensure readability.

His influence didn’t stop there. The labels he designed became a model for the industry, pushing companies to provide clearer, more accessible information. Today, his work underpins the growing demand for honesty in product labelling, affecting everything from food packaging to legal standards. Now 89, Hutt remains active at Covington & Burling, the law firm where he has spent decades. Colleagues once held a retirement party for him around 20 years ago, but he never left. His expertise continues to shape food and beverage litigation, guiding lawyers who specialise in the field.

Hutt’s legacy stretches far beyond a single policy. His labels have become a staple on countless products, ensuring consumers have the facts they need. Even now, his ongoing work reinforces his role as one of the most influential figures in consumer product regulation.