Food Companies Use New Nutritional Label

(RedOrbit) Consumers may be better able to select healthier food when the largest food and beverage makers in the United States start using a new nutritional labeling system on packages.
It has taken two years to develop the new Smart Choices symbol. The companies, scientists, health organizations and others produced this symbol which is one standard to help identify healthier foods.

The symbol will contain two bits of information: calories per serving and the number of servings. The Smart Choices label will be placed on the front of packages of foods that meet certain standards. This label should reduce confusion by making information about the product more understandable.

To receive a Smart Choices label, the foods need to meet certain standards like limiting total fat, trans fat, sodium and added sugars. The items must also contain beneficial amounts of fiber, calcium and specific vitamins.

Some of the companies using the symbol are Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kellogg, ConAgra Foods, PepsiCo and Unilever. Wal-Mart stores will also use the Smart Choices Symbol.
The label should start showing up by the middle of 2009.