Thursday, January 30, 2014

Nutrition Label Makeover

Daily value? Calories from fat? Grams of sugar? Reading food label can be difficult especially if you aren’t sure what to look for. The current nutrition label is full of information most people aren’t sure what to do with. Good news, the FDA has announced that the nutrition label will be getting a much needed makeover. While the new label guidelines have not been released yet, many nutrition professionals have suggested some changes they would like to see. One change many are hoping for is more clarity on serving sizes. Many products seem like single serving packages, but when the nutrition label is examined it shows the package really contains 2 or 3 servings. Secondly, there is a push for front labeling on packages. This would require certain nutrients to be displayed on the front of food packages to make them easier for consumers to see. Other suggestions include adding the percentage of whole wheat to the label and the use of teaspoons as well as grams for the amount of sugar added to products. While the official guidelines have not been released yet, nutrition professionals hope this change in the label will help make consumers more aware of what they are eating as well as the contents of their foods. 

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