Food Labeling Background Papers


Book Description

Abstract: The issues raised by the Food and Drug Administration, USDA, and the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection in reaching joint decisions regarding food labeling are discussed. While no definite enforcement plans were decided upon, it was agreed that all ingredients must be declared on the labels of standized foods. The agencies suggest further study before ruling on the necessity of requiring such labels on foods sold to restaurants. In addition the quantitative listing of ingredients is encouraged on products. Policies permitting the grouping of products instead of separate listings will be restricted. A simplified format of the label itself is recommended to improve the communication of nutrition information to the consumer. Including information (such as potassium, sugar, fiber and cholesterol content) with the sodium content of a product is also recommended.




Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols


Book Description

During the past decade, tremendous growth has occurred in the use of nutrition symbols and rating systems designed to summarize key nutritional aspects and characteristics of food products. These symbols and the systems that underlie them have become known as front-of-package (FOP) nutrition rating systems and symbols, even though the symbols themselves can be found anywhere on the front of a food package or on a retail shelf tag. Though not regulated and inconsistent in format, content, and criteria, FOP systems and symbols have the potential to provide useful guidance to consumers as well as maximize effectiveness. As a result, Congress directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to undertake a study with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to examine and provide recommendations regarding FOP nutrition rating systems and symbols. The study was completed in two phases. Phase I focused primarily on the nutrition criteria underlying FOP systems. Phase II builds on the results of Phase I while focusing on aspects related to consumer understanding and behavior related to the development of a standardized FOP system. Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols focuses on Phase II of the study. The report addresses the potential benefits of a single, standardized front-label food guidance system regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, assesses which icons are most effective with consumer audiences, and considers the systems/icons that best promote health and how to maximize their use.




FDA Papers


Book Description













Nutrition Labeling


Book Description

Nutrition Labeling offers a thorough examination of current nutrition labeling practices and recommends ways to make food labeling information consistent with recent dietary recommendations from the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Research Council. The volume proposes implementing a food labeling reform program, addressing such key issues as requiring mandatory nutrition labeling on most packaged foods, expanding nutrition labeling to foods that do not currently provide this information, making federal requirements uniform between agencies, and updating the nutrient content and format of food labels.