Change Proposed to Food Labeling
The “Nutrition Facts” box on
packaged foods may be getting a make-over if the proposed FDA plan is
approved.
Rising rates in obesity has lead to
an increase in weight-related chronic diseases such as diabetes,
heart disease, and congested blood vessels. The proposed changes to
the Nutrition facts aims to help consumers make better food choices.
The new label will display:
- The calories per serving in larger, bolder print than the rest of the information.
- The types of added sugars, such as corn syrup.
- A “serving” will be clarified via their actual size, such as “3/4 Cup” instead of “1 serving.”
- A required listing of Vitamin D and potassium content.
Nutrition is an important part of
any health regimen, and nutrionist Greg Silverman said in an
interview with NPR, “I think the calorie count and the serving size
are the big issues that trick people up” (Aubrey, A., 2014).
Complications from obesity can
result in a large regimen of medications to control chronic
illnesses. Although your local urgent care center is available
after hours and over the weekend to evaluate your health or refill
your prescriptions, prevention is the best medicine. Perhaps changes
in the food label practices will encourage consumers to make more
informed nutrition choices.
References
Aubrey, A. (2014). New Food Label
Aims to Make Healthy Decisions Easier. Retrieved on March 4, 2014
from
http://www.wbur.org/npr/282589156/new-food-label-aims-to-make-healthy-decisions-easier.
FDA.gov. (2014). Nutrition Facts
Lavel: Proposed Changes Aim to Better Inform Food Choices.
Retrieved on March 4, 2014 from
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm387114.htm.
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