February 18, 2010

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) recently called on the FDA to reform its food labeling system. 

According to its recently released report, Food Labeling Chaos: The Case for Reform, "accurate, easy-to-read, and scientifically valid nutrition and health information on food labels is an essential component of a comprehensive public health strategy to help consumers improve their diets and reduce their risk of diet-related diseases."  CSPI recommended that the FDA implement the following changes: summarize key nutrition information on the front of food packages; simplify the existing nutrition label; modernize the format of ingredient labels; and prohibit misleading health-related claims on fronts of packages.