A group representing some of the nation's most prominent vending companies today called on Congress to drop language that would require vending companies to disclose the caloric content of vended food and beverage products prior to the point of sale, Vend Marketing Institute (VMI) Executive Director Chris Stave announced today. The requirement is included in both the House and Senate versions of the healthcare reform legislation currently being debated in Congress, and would apply to any business which owns or operates 20 or more vending machines.
According to Stave, the organization supports the idea of nutrition disclosure, and, in fact, already has an overwhelmingly successful program in place that is much more comprehensive than the one being considered in Congress. Said Stave, "Four years ago we recognized the importance of working to educate consumers about the nutrition content in the products they were purchasing, which is why we worked with Registered Dietitian Carmen Gorniak, RD, CD, to create The Right Choice...for a Healthier You! ® nutrition program. It identifies products in the vending machine that meet specific nutrition guidelines that reflect the USDA's Food Pyramid principles of balance and portion control, and is a proven success. It's also much more informative than the proposals being considered on Capitol Hill."
According to VMI, the program has been tremendously successful, and is currently being used at more than 5,000 client locations serviced by members of VMI. TRC guidelines list appropriate levels regarding caloric content, sodium, cholesterol, fat, including saturated and trans fats, as well as sugar. Any item meeting the dietary guidelines established for The Right Choice...for a Healthier You!, qualifies for the program heart/apple symbol which is clearly displayed to ensure consumers can identify qualifying products before they make a purchase.