Help the FDA Improve the U.S. Food Labels

The FDA is soliciting public opinion on how to improve food labels (aka, nutrition facts label) until January 19, 2010.  With soaring obesity, after almost 20 years of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, this would be a useful update.

Here is your chance for input!     Voice your opinion on improvements for food labels.  Since many of you who follow this blog are well informed on nutrition, here is your opportunity for direct input on food label that will impact our lives for years to come. The invitation to comment by the FDA can be downloaded [PDF] or viewed online.  For reference, the docket number is FDA–2009–N–0532 and you can submit your comment here.

Here are my suggestions for improving the food labels:

1. Caffeine content:  Items containing caffeine should state the exact amounts.  Often energy drinks, sodas and snacks contain a significant amount.  This information should be made available on the food label.
2. Amount of added sugar:  Presently there is no distinction between total sugar in foods and drinks, and added sugar.  The sugar found naturally in foods may be far different from the amount of sugar added.  Putting this on the food nutrition facts label would help those who are trying to better control their blood sugar, such as diabetics and pre-diabetics (insulin resistant).
3. Real amount of trans-fats:  Presently if a product contains less than 0.5 grams trans fats per serving, manufacturers can label it 0 grams trans fats.  The manufacturers often “adjust” the serving size so that it contains less than 0.5 grams trans fat, so they can legally label that as 0.  But the serving size is often a ridiculously small amount.  For instance, 3 potato chips.   In other words, the manufacturers should be required to indicate if there are any trans fats in the product based on a realistic serving size!
4. Standardized food labels:  A standard format for food labels would be helpful.  Presently, check marks, stars, and other markings are allowed.  If there is some type of standardized food nutrition facts label format, it would be easier to read and understand.
5. Percentage of ingredients: If the percentage of ingredients are known, it would shed a great amount of light on what is really in the food product.
6. Highlight controversial ingredients: Red food dye in particular is associated with hyperactivity in kids.  This warning, and others like it should be clearly available to parents on food labels!

I hope you join me in sending input to the FDA for the improvement of food labels.  Having better information on the food nutrition facts label will help those with specific health issues that require reducing or eliminating certain foods from their diet.

Copyright © 2009 Douglas Husbands, DC, CCN. All rights reserved.

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