The BBC reports that a uniform front of pack nutrition label is expected to appear on most food packages next year. The labels will not be mandatory, as that would require a pan European agreement, but the British government is … Continue reading
Breaking: UK Gives Up on Traffic Light Nutrition Labels
In a blow to consumer in the UK, and possibly in the US, The Food Standards Agency (same as our FDA) has decided to back off their proposed traffic light nutrition labeling on the front of food packages. According to … Continue reading
Regulating Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels, Part 2 of 3: Developing New Minimum Standards for Complex Rating Schemes
This is a guest blog-post by Professor Timothy D. Lytton In my previous post, I suggested that regulation of front-of-package nutrition labels should begin with better enforcement of existing standards. Existing regulations, I argued, already provide adequate tools to clamp … Continue reading
Regulating Front-of-Package Nutrition Labels, Part 1 of 3: Better Enforcement of Existing Standards
This is a guest blog-post by Professor Timothy D. Lytton At the top of the FDA’s agenda for 2010 is regulating front-of-package nutrition labels. Proponents of symbols like the Heart Check mark and the Smart Choices logo and rating systems … Continue reading
Does Front-of-Pack Nutrition Info Help Consumers? Yes. No. Maybe.
Have you noticed the slough of “quick glance” nutrition information we’ve been bombarded with this year? Whether it’s the calorie count on menu items at fast food chains, or on products or shelves at the supermarket, many new nutrition graphics, … Continue reading
Attention FDA: Here’s How Europe is Handling Ludicrous Health Claims
Yesterday we wrote about the preposterous health claims on food and supplement packaging. Apparently they are still insufficient for some manufacturers. They are now suing the FDA to get more lenience in publishing marketing drivel in the guise of scientific … Continue reading
Salt Myths
Our body needs salt to function properly, but most of us are getting twice as much as our bodies need. This leads to high blood pressure, hypertension, and other maladies. Many times people are not even aware that their sodium … Continue reading
Across the Pond – UK Looking For Single Food Labeling System
UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA), the British parallel of the FDA, commissioned a group to recommend an optimal front of pack nutrition labeling system. There are several schemes currently in effect, which causes great confusion amongst shoppers. The results of … Continue reading
Unilever Food Conglomerate: We’re Reducing Salt In 22,500 Products
Image via Wikipedia Unilever, one of the largest food conglomerates in the world, has recently announced it is adopting a holistic approach to sodium reduction in its global food portfolio. The European based corporation is the owner of famous US … Continue reading
A Dozen Things to Know About the Dubious Food Coloring Called Yellow #5
1. It has many names – Tartrazine, E102 , FD&C Yellow 5, C.I. 19140, or just plain Yellow 5. 2. Yellow #5 is a synthetic, water soluble, lemon yellow dye used as a food coloring. 3. A partial list of … Continue reading