WASHINGTON - American Beverage Association members including The Coca-Cola Co., Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, PepsiCo, Nestle Waters North America and others, will put calorie information on the front of their non-alcoholic beverage packages, vending machines and fountain machines.
Total calorie counts will be displayed on the front of labels, up to and including 20-ounce products. A 12-ounce serving size will be used in displaying calories for multi-serve beverage packages (such as 2-liter bottles).
The voluntary commitment contributes to First Lady Michelle Obama's efforts to help families make informed choices as part of a balanced lifestyle. The companies will coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration to implement the calorie initiative, which will go above and beyond what is required by the federal agency's food labeling regulations. The industry will start implementing the initiative across the country this year with completion in 2012.
"The beverage industry is taking the extra step of making the calories on its products more clear and useable for consumers so they can make balanced choices wherever they purchase our products," Susan Neely, president and chief executive officer, American Beverage Association, said in a statement.
The beverage industry is also committing to continue reducing the beverage calories in the marketplace through innovation, smaller portion sizes and further marketing of their low-calorie beverages.
On vending machines controlled by the companies, total calorie counts for the entire container will be displayed on selection buttons. Calorie counts will also be shown prominently on fountain beverage machines controlled by the companies.
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