Introduction of Nutrition Labeling on Food Items and Beverages Recommended in US

A government sponsored study in the United States recommended the introduction of nutrition labeling such as a check mark or a star on food items and beverage packages in order to provide the nutritional information of the product to consumers.

Researchers from the Institute of Medicine suggested that a simple rating system should be introduced so that even kids can understand the nutritional benefits of the product and recommended that the labeling should involve a rating system which will help consumers select the most nutritious option available.

While the food and beverage industry rejected the recommendation, claiming that people do not want the government to interpret information, the panel pointed out the success of five star safety rating of cars and the energy star ratings for appliances.

Stating that people do not want to look at numbers and calculate what they mean, Tufts University's Alice Lichtenstein, who worked on the study, said, "It's simple. It's interpretive. People don't need to look at numbers or do any calculations to figure out what they mean. Three stars are better than no stars."

Source: Medindia