The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intends to revise the Nutrition Facts labeling on packages, which indicates a breakdown of fats, salts, sugars and nutrients. The panels are designed to provide consumers with more valuable information and assist in the fight against a national obesity epidemic. The current recommended dietary allowances date from 1968, and many experts say that it’s time for a change.

Currently, several parts of the label are up for a change. More accurate serving sizes, a greater emphasis on calories and a diminished role in the daily percentage values for substances including fat, carbohydrates and sodium are possible changes to the label. The redesign is part of a broader project that would improve the way Americans view food and decide on what to eat, and is motivated by major changes in nutrition regulations by the Obama administration.

FDA deputy commissioner Michael Taylor says that he doesn't expect the changes to be a sweeping overhaul, but notes that the redesign represents a step towards a more informative view of the foods that Americans eat every day.

Source: www.thirdage.com