Coca-Cola to Introduce Expanded Nutrition Information on Soft Drink Package Labels in the U.S.

Posted October 18, 2004 8:37 am; Submitted by The Coca-Cola Company

Labels Will Include Nutrition Information per Serving and for Full Contents of Package
At the end of this year Coca-Cola North America will proactively begin the rollout of enhanced nutrition labeling on a number of package sizes for its regular carbonated soft drink brands, including the 20-ounce bottle. This voluntary move is consistent with a recommendation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food and beverage companies to revise Nutrition Facts labeling for packages that can be consumed at one time.

Coca-Cola North America will phase in the revised labels during 2005, as bottlers use up existing inventories of packaging. The time at which the revised labels reach store shelves will vary by brand and by region.

The modified packaging labels will provide expanded Nutrition Facts information to help consumers choose the beverages that are right for them. Nutrition Facts information — including calories, fat, sodium, carbohydrates, sugars and protein — will be stated on the basis of both a standard eight- ounce serving and the entire bottle. Currently, in accordance with FDA regulations, labels carry nutrition information for an eight-ounce serving and indicate the total number of servings per package.

“Expanding on-package nutrition information is one of the many ways The Coca-Cola Company is helping people to quickly and easily make choices that contribute to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle,” said Don Knauss, president, Coca-Cola North America.

This move is consistent with The Coca-Cola Company’s overall commitment to helping consumers manage their diets by providing a wide variety of beverage options, in a range of packaging sizes. Recent innovations include soft drinks in eight-ounce cans and 13.2-ounce bottles that are available in certain regions, as well as expanded choices in no-calorie and reduced calorie beverages. That commitment also encompasses the Company’s model school guidelines, which address commercial practices in schools, the Company’s policy regarding marketing to children, and supporting programs that encourage physical activity and promote nutrition education.