| Comment Record |
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Commentor |
Ms. Lisa Kelly |
Date/Time |
2002-12-16 15:43:23 |
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Organization |
International Food Information Council |
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Category |
Association |
| Comments for FDA General |
| Questions |
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1. General Comments
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December 16, 2002
Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
RE: Input to Docket No. 94P-0036, Food Labeling: Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling, Nutrient Content Claims, and Health Claims: Reopening of the Comment Period
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) is pleased to have the opportunity to provide input to FDA’s Docket No. 94P-0036, Food Labeling: Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling, Nutrient Content Claims, and Health Claims: Reopening of the Comment Period.
IFIC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to communicate science-based information on food safety and nutrition to health and nutrition professionals, educators, government officials, journalists and others providing information to consumers. IFIC is supported primarily by the broad-based food, beverage and agricultural industries.
The cornerstone for the work we do is the extensive amount of consumer research we conduct to better understand the public's knowledge and attitudes about nutrition and food safety so that our communications meet the needs of our target audiences. This research is critical in ensuring that the information and messages we deliver are meaningful, impactful and interpreted and acted upon appropriately by consumers.
Nutrition information contained on food labels should assist consumers with making purchasing and consumption decisions that promote an overall balanced and enjoyable diet, and should not be cause for confusion or misinterpretation. To this end, IFIC believes that any changes to the label, including a footnote statement on trans fats, should be guided by the following consumer considerations:
· appreciation of consumer interpretation and potential action based upon new information;
· knowledge and understanding of consumer attitudes, concerns and behaviors regarding new statements and terminology of nutrition information,
· nutrition information that is based upon the best science and is understandable and actionable for consumers.
Thank you for this opportunity to provide input. We believe that addressing the consumers’ need for usable information in the Nutrition Facts panel of the food label will accelerate efforts to improve the diet and health of Americans.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Rowe
President and CEO
International Food Information Council
Susan Borra, RD
Senior Vice President
Director of Nutrition
Lisa Kelly, MPH, RD
Director of Public Health
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