Nutrition Labels Are Controversial

The food industry this week unveiled its new voluntary nutrition labels, but not everyone is cheering. Some critics charge that the “Nutrition Keys” program will be too confusing for consumers. The initiative from the Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association will include listings for per serving calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugars on the front of the package. The icons could be introduced this year.
The FDA and the Institute of Medicine have been working on a proposal for nutrition labeling guidelines, but these are not yet ready. The manufacturers have suggested they are moving ahead with their plan to help with the national effort against childhood obesity. Some politicians suggest that the program should have waited for better governmental guidance.