Coming! Front-of-Pack Food Labels Symbol
A non-government coalition has introduced a new
voluntary front-of-pack labeling program under
the name Smart Choices Program™. The coalition
included scientists, academicians, health and
research organizations, food and beverage
manufacturers and retailers. Several government
agencies including FDA, USDA and FTC (Federal
Trade Commission) served as observers and
advisors during development.
The Smart Choices Coalition hopes the
program/logo will be the
single, trusted symbol used throughout the food
industry to help consumers make nutritious
choices. To bear the symbol products must meet
specified nutrition criteria and display
calories per serving and number of servings per
container on the front of the food package.
The management structure for the Program is
still in development. A spokesperson from the
coalition anticipates it will be a non-profit
organization, and that companies will pay a
modest fee to apply for the Program and an
annual fee to keep products registered. The
first product labels carrying the symbol are
expected in grocery stores beginning in
mid-2009.
See
Smart Choices Program
website.
Commentary: With
Client
File Review service, Food Consulting
Company can help clients determine if a product
currently in our system meets the criteria to
bear the Smart Choices Program™ symbol. New
products can also be reviewed to determine if
they meet the criteria.
Contact us.
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