Companies to Discontinue Smart Choices

JULIE GALLAGHER

WASHINGTON — The Smart Choices label will be phased out by Kellogg's, Kraft Foods, General Mills, ConAgra Foods, PepsiCo and Unilever as they run through current inventories of products bearing the seal, the companies told SN.

Food companies with products enrolled in the nutritional labeling program were given the option to continue use of Smart Choices, even as the program's facilitator announced last week that it would not encourage wider use of the logo by either new or currently enrolled companies.

The Smart Choices Program's decision to postpone active operations came days after the Food & Drug Administration announced that it would review on-pack nutrition rating programs for violations of federal regulations.

"Given the FDA's interest in developing uniform front-of-pack and shelf labeling criteria, we support the Smart Choices Program's decision to postpone active operations," said Kris Charles, spokeswoman for Kellogg's. "We look forward to sharing our insights and actively engaging with the FDA in this process."

The companies' decisions may have been influenced by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who sent letters to ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Kellogg's, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Riviana Foods, Sun-Maid and Unilever, urging them to stop using the Smart Choices label, at least until the FDA reaches a decision about standards, according to reports.

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