Food Industry Promises Another Attempt at Front-of-Package Labeling

Statement of CSPI Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson

October 27, 2010

The last time the food industry developed a front-of-package labeling system it was a complete flop that put "Smart Choice" icons on junk foods like Froot Loops. We hope the industry’s next attempt is better.

A credible system would show a food's calories, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar content on package fronts. Such a system must also indicate to consumers whether those values are low, medium, or high.

Front-of-package labeling should make the healthiest foods easy to spot, and the less healthy foods easy to avoid. No other system deserves the blessing of the government or consumers.