IOM Releases Phase II Report “Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols: Promoting Healthier Choices”

On October 20, 2011 the Institute of Medicine released its Phase II report on Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols.  The Phase I report focused on evaluating current systems and nutritional criteria and resulted in a report in Fall 2010.  In the second phase the committee was tasked to consider:  the potential benefits of a single, standardized front-label food guidance system regulated by the FDA, assessment of which icons are most effective with consumer audiences, and development of conclusions about the systems and icons that best promote health and how to maximize their use.  From the Committee’s review of the available evidence, they concluded that there are no flawless FOP symbol systems in the marketplace and that a single, standardized system that is easily understood by most age groups and appearing on all food products would be the best option to maximize its effectiveness in encouraging consumers to make healthier food choice and purchase decisions.  The complete Phase II report can be found at:  http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13221