How accurate are food labels with regards to nutritional labeling and helping make the consumer more aware of his health/ nutritional needs.

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Luring Food Labels - Attention Grabbers or Trustworthy Buddies? Of late, packaged foods have been increasingly reviewed and and their benefits discussed in the media. Media, keep us reasonably well informed about the importance of healthy eating, consuming less CSF (calories, sugars and fats especially trans fats) and more of VMWF (vitamins, minerals, whole grains and fiber). The FDA has prompted food manufacturers to print nutrition facts on labels or information on every packaged food items, to enable consumers to make informed choices while shopping for food products.

The labels are still coming up short on info and long on claims! These make it both time consuming and confusing for the consumer to discern the information.

The nutrition label is printed at the back of the box
The information does not discriminate between essential required nutrients and those that should be consumed in smaller quantities, for they add inches to the waist and elevate blood pressure if high in sodium.

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User Comments

21 October, 2011 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

To help contain and then reduce endemic obesity The Institute of Medicine* has suggested an additional new labeling - a logo of sorts on packaged food sold in grocery stores.
It would consist of stars or some other simple symbol with a zero-to-3 rating and would give consumers a quick assessment of its nutrition value, similar to the Energy Star rating on appliances. A "zero" on foods that are high in added sugars, saturated and trans fats, and sodium will tell consumers to avoid it as the food is unhealthy.

People are so busy and there are so many products to choose from. If there is a system that could very quickly, almost instantly, identify which foods are healthier in terms of reducing chronic disease risk for children and adults."It's up to the companies to make products that are healthy

*The Institute of Medicine is an arm of the National Academies, a collection of scholars chartered by Congress to give scientific advice to the public.

13 July, 2011 | Sonali Gupta | Reply

Consumers often compare prices of food items in the grocery store to choose the best value for money. But comparing items using the food label can help us choose the best value for our health. The food label is one of the most valuable tools we as consumers have. For example, someone with high blood pressure who needs to watch salt (sodium) intake may have a choice of five different types of tomato soup on the rack. One can quickly and easily compare the sodium content of each product by looking at the part of the label that lists nutrition information to choose the one with the lowest sodium content.

13 July, 2011 | Sonali Gupta | Reply

13 July, 2011 | Mrinal Jhangiani | Reply

Hi Sonali, I didn't think of it that way but you are right - there is added value in those items that suit our health needs.
Yes, a lower sodium content soup can is better, but 'fresh is best' when ever one has time to cook. Its easy to pressure cook soup and make enough for 3-4 days.
:)

29 June, 2011 | Parul Bhatnagar | Reply

Hi Friends,
It is very important to start reading food labels for you and your family.It is like a guide for you which explain ingredients and nutritive value of the product.It can help you to decide whether the food item is appropriate for your health conditions and fits into healthy eating plan.

28 June, 2011 | Vijaylakshmi Reddy | Reply

Nice post. Hope India too catches up on there mandatory regulations very soon.

11 July, 2011 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

As there is a change in customer food preferences today, the Indian food market is witnessing unparalleled change and growth. It therefore propels the need for information to be provided on packages for people to make
informed choices.
The Government of India plans make labeling on all processed foods compulsory within three months, as part of a national program promoting cardiovascular health. I hope this gets priority and the Bill is passed.

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