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| Americans are overwieght, yet undernourished. Industry has responded in making available many symbols to depict nutrients to avoid on the food label. It is important for FDA to establish a universal food symbol system that will not only establish cut off points for nutrients to avoid but to address the nutritional quality of foods. A system that considers a nutrient density approach will benefit consumers in providing a method that meets daily needs for nutrients while choosing foods that are low in fat, calories, sugar etc. It is important to raise consumers' awarness about the value of nutrients per calorie rather than just calories. Until such a system is in place we will continue to see a proliferation of symbols used on the market that will only add confusion to consumers as they make an attempt to select healthy foods for their family. A nutrient density approach should consider whole foods first with processed foods only used to make up the gap for nutrients needed in the diet. Education is another component that is needed to help consumers understand the concept of nutrient density rather than the current system that awards foods that are fat free, calorie free etc. This also helps to approach the diet as American Dietetic Association endorses that 'All food can fit' within the context of a healthy well-balanced diet. There is much to do to change the current climate. The Nutrient rich food index may be one way to approach the nutrient density method.
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