Front-of-package labeling systems have landed on the agendas of a number of groups, including the Institute of Medicine and the food industry, led by the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Although the recommendations may differ, all efforts aim to enhance point-of-purchase nutrition information for consumers to help them make more informed purchasing decisions.
In a report released Wednesday by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee examining front-of-pack labeling systems, the committee recommended that front-of-package symbols include only calorie, saturated fat, trans fat and sodium content of foods and beverages. The committee recommended highlighting these nutrients because of their role in the development of obesity and heart disease, which are two of the biggest public health concerns in the United States.
The committee did not recommend the declaration of other vitamins or minerals, such as calcium or vitamin D, because members thought it could lead to inappropriate fortification. Additionally, they avoided recommending sugar or added sugar content in the front-of-package system because these nutrients don't appear to have an impact on disease beyond their calorie content.
"While we understand the committee's concern for obesity and heart disease, a front-of-package symbol that concentrates only on nutrients that should be limited in Americans' diets does not fully represent the nutrient profiles of dairy foods," said Michelle Albee Matto, IDFA consultant on nutrition and labeling. "Consumers should also be able to learn about beneficial nutrients through a front-of-package labeling system."
Phase II Next
The report ends Phase I of the IOM committee's work, and its Phase II work will begin with a public meeting on October 26 in Washington, D.C. Phase II will concentrate on consumer behavior related to front-of-package labels.
While the IOM report is not regulation, the Food and Drug Administration will use these recommendations in its efforts to develop a consistent front-of-package labeling approach for all foods and beverages in the United States. FDA has indicated that this consistent federal system would be voluntary.
IDFA has provided two sets of written comments, agreeing that front-of-package labeling should be voluntary and indicating that any point-of-purchase system should include a balance of nutrients to encourage as well as ones to avoid. (See "Keep Front-of-Pack Labeling Voluntary; No Traffic Lights, IDFA Says." Front-of-pack labeling has also been an important focus of the First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" program aimed at reducing childhood obesity.
Food Industry Plan Includes Nutrients to Encourage
In addition to government efforts, the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) is leading the development of a voluntary front-of-package label that has the support of the major consumer packaged goods companies and can be adopted by the wider food industry. While work is ongoing, this symbol system likely will incorporate a variety of nutrients, including nutrients to encourage. IDFA expects a public announcement from GMA about this system later this month.
Read the IOM Committee Phase I Report online.
For more information, contact Matto at amfoodnutrition@gmail.com or Cary Frye, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs, at cfrye@idfa.org
Source: International Dairy Foods Association