FDA Seeks Comment, Information, Data on Front-of-Package Labeling and Shelf-Tag Symbols

SILVER SPRING, Md., April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — 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.