FDA to Review Nutrition Labeling Programs
Oct 21, 2009 6:00 AM
WASHINGTON — The Food & Drug Administration announced a sweeping plan to review on-pack nutrition rating programs for violations of federal regulations.
FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg outlined the initiative as criticism of some programs has grown louder.
“Some nutritionists have questioned whether this information is more marketing-oriented then health-oriented,” she said of the current generation of labeling programs on the market. “And judging from some of the labels that we’ve seen, we think that this is a valid concern.”
Hamburg said the agency has already mailed out letters putting the food industry on notice that nutrition labeling has become a priority. As part of the effort, Hamburg said the FDA has begun drafting a single set of universal nutrition criteria to be used for all labeling programs; commissioned an 18-month study to determine whether a single set of nutrition symbols is necessary; and proposed opening a dialogue with the industry to discuss options going forward.
In her statements, Hamburg twice referred to the industry-sponsored “Smart Choices” on-pack labeling program, unveiled earlier this year, which has been denounced by public health experts for being too lenient.
Read More of Today's Headlines
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2010 Penton Media Inc.
Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe / Renew to Supermarket News
The most reliable source of industry news and insight...in print and online.
- Subscribe Today and gain instant access to the online SN Archive
- Renew
- Sign up for email newsletter
advertisement
In This Week's Viewpoints
David Orgel:
How Zaucha’s NGA Defied Odds for Independents
Julie Gallagher:
Food Lion Gets It Right With Mobile Marketing Club
advertisement
Most Viewed News
SN Videos
Insights From SN’s Marketer of the Year
Jon Wendel, senior vice-president of Marketing, Hy-Vee, discusses the role that Marketing plays at his company.
Misconceptions About Hispanic Shoppers
Sidney Hopper, COO of United Supermarkets’ Amigos banner, clarifies some misunderstandings about Hispanic shoppers.

















