The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (IOM) is recommending a simple front-of-pack labeling for all foods and beverages. The IOM report, released late last week, envisions an "Energy Star" approach for food and beverage labels. The recommended front-of-the-package rating system would give foods zero to three points, depending on their levels of saturated and trans fats, sodium and added sugars. The FDA will work to implement the program.
In a sampling published by the IOM, whole wheat bread scores a 3, animal crackers receive a 2 (lower score because of added sugars) and chocolate chip cookies are scored a 1 (lower score because of added sugars and higher levels of fat). Breakfast cereals generally are scored either 2 (sweetened cereals) or 3 (non-sweetened). Interestingly, bread baked from enriched flour (the most popular product sold at supermarkets, according to SymphonyIRI) was not included in the sampling, but it appears the IOM would score white bread a 3. Bakers should approach the IOM plan cautiously, but it appears to be positive for bread products.
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