FDA calls for public comments and information about front-of-package nutrition labeling, shelf tags

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today asked for comments and information from the public and other interested parties about front-of-package nutrition labeling and on shelf tags in retail stores.

The FDA is seeking public participation as it deliberates about how to enhance the usefulness to consumers of point-of-purchase nutrition information. This includes information on the main display panel of food products, called "front-of-pack" labeling, as well as information on shelf tags in retail stores.  

The FDA is seeking to learn more about

• the extent to which consumers notice, use and understand nutrition symbols on front-of-pack labeling of food packages or on shelf tags in retail stores
• research that assesses and compares the effectiveness of particular approaches to front-of-pack labeling
• graphic design, marketing and advertising data and information that can help develop better point-of-purchase nutrition information
• how point-of-purchase information may affect decisions by food manufacturers to reformulate products.

The front-of-pack nutrition labeling effort aims to maximize the number of consumers who readily notice, understand, and use point-of-purchase information to make nutritious choices for themselves and their families.

The FDA is accepting comments until July 28, 2010. Comments may be sent to http://www.regulations.gov, by entering Docket No. FDA-2010-N-0210. Written comments also may be sent to the Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305) Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville Md., 20852.

Federal Register Notice: http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2010-09939_PI.pdf