Over a year ago, we shared about the Food and Drug Administration's desire for manufactures to post front-of-label nutrition information in an effort to support the fight against obesity in our country. Now, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Food Marketing Institute (FM) have announced a new name for their voluntary front-of-package system. They have also launched a new web site as part of their consumer awareness and education campaign.
 
The objective of their voluntary program is to place fact-based information from the Nutrition Facts panel to the front for easier consumer information gathering as they shop. In addition, the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) is about to release the report and findings next month from their examination of front-of-package nutrition rating systems and symbols. The IOM Phase 1 report released last October indicated front-of-package labeling should include calories, serving size, saturated fats, trans fats and sodium information. Unfortunately, they also concluded that including other information such as protein, fiber or vitamins and minerals could contribute to consumer confusion. The second report is expected to include format guidance based on consumer use and understanding of various symbols and systems.
 
So what nutrition information might you begin to see on the front of your products?

The GMA indicates that the new Facts Up Front system is:

• Fact based


• Fully compliant with existing FDA regulations


• Aligned with the federal government's 2010 Dietary Guidelines


• Developed in consultation with government stakeholders


• Simple for consumers to use based on extensive testing with basic label information for calories, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar together as a consistent set.

 
Regrettably, there is some resistance to the industry's efforts. Concerns focus on the fact that the proposed information to be provided doesn't help consumers know whether foods have a high, medium, or low amount of a particular nutrient. Some seem to prefer more of a red light, green light approach to front of package labels. We may see some tweaking to the revealed Facts Up Front information after the IOM report is released. As of now, consumers should begin to see the new iconography in the marketplace beginning late 2011.
 
What do you think about the ever-changing nutrition label debate? Will this new approach change how you shop for nutrition rich food?