DeLauro Highlights Need for Clear Food Nutrition Labeling Guidelines

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Chairwoman of the Agriculture and FDA Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement today in response to the Grocery Manufacturers Association's announcement that it is developing a front-of-package labeling system describing the nutritional content of foods:

"The industry's initiative on front-of-package labeling should not circumvent FDA's efforts to develop strong guidelines for the information that should be highlighted on these labels. In order to make any progress in combating the major public health problems caused by the obesity epidemic, an FOP labeling system must clearly alert consumers about potentially unhealthy foods. An adequate labeling system also should not mislead consumers into believing that some packaged foods contribute to a healthy diet when they contain less healthy nutrient levels."