Comments on: 1862 – 2009: A Brief History of Food and Nutrition Labeling

By: Janice Epstein

Janice Epstein — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:59:40 +0000

This is fabulous! This is such a clear picture of the fact that citizens have had to tell industry- every step of the way -that we want safety, correct information, choice, and the right to be heard (to refer to Kennedy’s Consumer Bill of Rights).

Seriouosly, what would be so hard about just providing us with what we want? I don’t think I am wrong to say that most people would pay for modest increases in price, especially if it were couched in “for your health” marketing. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I think what is lacking is will.

By: MonIca

MonIca — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:12:18 +0000

I think that having the number of fat calories listed across from the total number of calories in a serving is very necessary. Many people base their food choice on it. So, while I like the idea of changing the food label for eassier reading; I would keep this information, thereby making it easy for the consumer to make a quick calculation as to whether or not to eat that particular food.

By: Michelle O. Fried

Michelle O. Fried — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:18:01 +0000

In revising food labeling requirements, I would like to suggest that consideration be taken to the fact that often US labeling requirements become world-wide standards. As a public health nutritionist working in Ecuador, it would be very useful that more than the four common micronutrientes be listed. Zinc is currently a micronutrient in short supply, for example, in many countries, for example.

In revising labeling requirements let´s consider the need for information in countries other than the US in determining what goes on the label.

By: Dr. Ayala

Dr. Ayala — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:31:06 +0000

Terrific post!

The one date I’d add is 1994- the passage of The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA)

This is the act that opened up the possibility for health and structure/function claims on food labels, and led to the proliferation of functional foods and health claims we see today.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 02:27:10 +0000

Debbie hit it right on. I have juvenile diabetes and Celiac Sprue (allergy to gluten) BUT, believe me I can’t even rely on labeling that says gluten free (and I’ve written letters to manufacturers about it). Educate yourselves! Allergies or not, it is your health! Once you educate yourself (and seriously, take a Foods 241 class at any community college) or just spend some time really looking at that label, you will figure it out. T. Miller – right on – “if you can’t pronounce it put it back”. And for all of you who are busy? I work full time (40+ hours a week) and I’m a full time student in college (18 credit hours). I can cook a decent dinner in about the same time you can mic yours…. but mine tastes better. Excuses may work for your doctor, but they don’t convince your heart, or any other part of your body.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:04:14 +0000

I have had to learn to read labels, because of our son’s serious reaction to sucralose. I have been learning, one food ingredient at a time, everything that those fancy words mean. The more I learn, the more I make homemade foods from scratch. My god the junk they put in food is just appauling. Yes, I am a full time working mom with little time to do this, but I have to find the time in order for my kids to eat healthier. My best meals are when we eat food that has NO labels. Just fresh food, and even that is a challenge with all the pesticides and such. If I don’t know whats in it, I just won’t buy it.

By: T. Miller

T. Miller — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:50:28 +0000

The best way to avoid labeling confusion is to buy food rather than “edible foodlike substances” (to quote Michael Pollan). Fruits and vegeatbles require no labeling. Also, buy as much as you can from your local farmers, either at farmers’ markets, retail markets that carry local food, or direct from the farmer. There are many sources these days for finding local foods: localharvest.org and Buy Fresh, Buy Local are two of them. When you buy meats and produce from the person who raised or grew it, you know exactly what you are getting — no label required. When you must venture into the perimeter of a supermarket, ignore the packages that shout out at you that they are “heart healthy” contain “no trans fats”, etc. and focus on the ingredients. More than a small handful? Put it back on the shelf. Ingredients you can’t define or pronouce? Put it back on the shelf. Ingredients like: 100% rolled oats? Buy it.

By: TwinToddlersDad

TwinToddlersDad — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 16:49:58 +0000

Very informative post. Thank you.
I think that there is a great need to simplify the food labeling because it is not working. Childhood obesity is on the rise even though all the information is available on the food labels.
Recently I came across an interesting food labeling system based on a traffic lights style of color coding. It appears that it is being used in the UK and Australia. Even though it is not perfect, it seems quite simple and easy to understand. I wrote a post about it on my blog

http://www.littlestomaks.com/2008/10/22/traffic-lights-and-food-labeling-is-this-a-joke-not-really%E2%80%A6/

What are your thoughts about this system?

By: Helen

Helen — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:23:27 +0000

The food industry has alot to answer for. However, it is something our society has created over the years, that is, WE have actively encouraged and accepted the status quo of big business feeding us food designed to make huge profits. If we can recognise that fact when we go to the store and not be blinded by smoke and mirrors (packaging!), keep it simple and unprocessed, but moreover get EDUCATED on nutrition, then there may be some hope in the future of changing something that is not working (our modern diet). Thank you for your blog, it is a great resource.

By: Best Nutritional Supplements

Best Nutritional Supplements — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:48:56 +0000

Since we are left to decipher all these nutrition labels, it's no wonder Americans are confused, deceived and ultimately obese. Best Nutritional Supplements