Policy Resources

Public Comment on Docket No. FDA-2021-N-0336 for ‘‘Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Quantitative Research on a Voluntary Symbol Depicting the Nutrient Content Claim “Healthy” on Packaged Foods”

July 6, 2021

AUTHORS

Marissa G. Hall, Caitlin M. Lowery, Aline D’Angelo Campos, Anna H. Grummon, Shu Wen Ng, Lindsey Smith Taillie

Key Takeaways

Evidence from the U.S. and abroad shows endorsement-style labels (like a “healthy” symbol) do little to improve consumer understanding or purchasing and may even create misleading “health halos.”

FDA should test alternatives to avoid unintended consequences.

Mandatory, interpretive front-of-package labels work better.

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