Panel urges Energy Star-like health ratings on front of food packages
The Institute of Medicine says it’s time to put right upfront the most important information for health: how many calories per serving — and just how big that serving is — along with stars or some other symbol to show at a glance how the food rates for certain fats, sodium and added sugars.
But the IOM’s recommendation would face an uphill battle with food manufacturers who are pushing their own version of on-the-front food labels and don’t like the idea of ranking one food as healthier than a competitor’s.
“We believe the most effective programs are those that trust consumers and not ones that tell consumers what they should and should not eat,” said Scott Faber, a spokesman for the Grocery Manufacturers Association.