Food associations get "Up Front" about nutrition

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Marketing Institute have launched a new consumer education campaign around the front-of-pack nutrition labeling system launched in January by the food and beverage industry.

The Facts Up Front consumer education campaign will launch in early 2012, as consumers will see the new icons on a majority of products in the marketplace, the associations announced. The campaign will also be supported by a new website, www.factsupfront.org.

According to the associations, "Facts Up Front" is a nutrient-based labeling system that summarizes important nutrition information from the nutrition facts panel located on the back of food and beverage products in a simple and easy to use format on the front of food and beverage packages.

“The food and beverage industry is committed to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve and maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle,” said Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. “Through our $50 million comprehensive, multi-faceted consumer education campaign, we will bring the Facts Up Front program alive for consumers and help them understand and use this important new tool.”

Icons located on the front of packaging will highlight such key nutritional information as calories, saturated fat, sodium and sugar per serving.

“The food retail industry is committed to feeding families and enriching lives by providing customers with the information they need to make healthy choices,” said Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute. “The Facts Up Front icons move key nutritional information into full view, helping busy shoppers more easily make the most informed dietary decision they can for their families.”