In the age of information, details matter. In almost no industry is that more obvious than in food manufacturing. Consumers aren’t satisfied with a mystery cocktail of processed substances and, if given the choice, will always opt for the clear list of specific ingredients in a product.
The U.S. federal government has stepped in and will soon enforce stricter food-labeling requirements. Consumers will have at their fingertips the information needed to make smarter, healthier decisions.
Many companies see an opportunity to comply with the new food labeling law. Healthy living isn’t a fad. It’s a new way of life. And for forward-thinking food manufacturers, it’s a new way of doing business. New food-labeling requirements could be a much-needed nudge toward healthier consumer products. It’s the companies that step up to the challenge who will reap the benefits.
Sugar reduction is an easy starting point – especially as naturally based sugar alternatives like stevia extract are more prevalent than ever. The potential for innovation is endless, and everyone from consumer to manufacturer stands to benefit.
Labeling rules in flux
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been caught in a tug-of-war between food manufacturers clinging to high-sugar recipes and food nutritionists who say transparency is key to healthier lifestyles. At issue is a 2016 FDA rule requiring food labels that more clearly define the risks to consumers. In short, if a food product is high in calories from sugar, it will be glaringly obvious to the consumer.
Source: www.newfoodmagazine.com