The battle for the best food labels is underway, as consumers demand clear and accurate descriptions for their purchases. Everything from different colors to new federal regulations are being considered, all in an attempt to meet customer demand.
One recently proposed system though, is being met with mixed results. Dr. David Katz, director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center, created the NuVal labeling technique. As reported by CBS News, NuVal aims to simplify nutritional information on a scale from one to 100 – the higher the number, the healthier the food.
“The average supermarket in the United States sells 50,000 foods,” Katz told the news source. “And the overwhelming majority of them come in bags, boxes, bottles, jars, and cans. And all of that packaging has marketing messages about, ‘Choose me. I’m good for you in some way,’ and a lot of that is deception, if not a lie.”
Essentially, an equation is done to settle upon the chosen NuVal number. Healthier ingredients – irons, fiber and vitamins – are given a ranking and then added together and divided by the amount given to less healthy ingredients, like fat, sodium and sugar.
Katz explained that his system does not detract from nutritional labels or anything else that was previously marked on the descriptions. NuVal simply creates a summative score from the previous information, which still remains in place.
However, while NuVal is posted in 1,600 stores across the nation, larger chains like Stop ‘n Shop and Whole Foods have yet to adopt it. According to nutritionist Keri Glassman, the algorithm is unclear and not perfect. General Mills agrees, saying in a statement that NuVal marketers have not made the formula criteria publicly available.
As food and drink companies work toward having accurate descriptions, using a Primera LX900 color label printer can help design custom labels that meet customer needs and adhere to federal and state requirements.
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