February 27, 2014
Consumers Union Applauds Move to Make Nutrition Facts Label More Consumer Friendly
WASHINGTON – First Lady Michelle Obama and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced new proposals to update the Nutrition Fact Label that appears on packaged foods. The proposed change would place a larger focus on calories, require manufacturers to present information on more realistic serving sizes, and break out “added sugars” from the total sugar in a product, among other updates.
Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, praised the move for arming consumers with the facts they need to make better informed and healthier choices.
Ellen Bloom, Senior Director of Federal Policy for Consumers Union, said, “Shoppers shouldn’t need a Ph.D. to understand nutrition labels. That’s why today’s announcement is an important, consumer friendly move. The changes proposed today make sure that consumers don’t have to read between the lines to understand what they’re eating. These labels will put a spotlight on calories and added sugar while putting an end to unrealistic serving sizes that ultimately don’t represent what consumers are actually eating. The agency is seeking public comment. We plan on sharing our views with the FDA and encourage consumers nationwide to voice theirs to ensure that consumers get the best label to help make healthier choices.”
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Media contact: David Butler, dbutler@consumer.org, or Kara Kelber, kkelber@consumer.org,