Coca-Cola to Put Calorie Info Up Front of Packages
Coca-Cola North America said Friday it plans to place calories-per-serving and servings-per-container information on the front of all packages for its entire U.S. beverage portfolio.
The new label, which will begin appearing on packages next year, will spotlight both calories per serving and number of servings per container.
Research has shown that calorie information is an important tool to help consumers make better decisions about the calorie contribution of foods and beverages to their total dietary intake, thereby helping them reach and/or maintain their optimal weight. In 2003 the Food and Drug Administration's Obesity Working Group (OWG) found that calories on the food label should be given higher prominence.
“We view our label as a powerful tool for education, an opportunity to communicate with consumers every time they choose one of our products at the store or have a Coca-Cola beverage on their table,” noted Celeste Bottorff, v.p. of the company's Living Well initiatives. “We listen to what consumers tell us they want, respond creatively, and encourage everyone to make informed decisions about what they drink, choices that reflect a sense of balance and moderation. It’s part of our Live Positively philosophy.”
For almost 20 years, Coca-Cola has led such labeling initiatives as adding per-package nutrition information on labels, as well as the per-serving information that's required by regulation. Last year the company started putting caffeine-content information on the labels of products with added caffeine.
The new front-of-package labeling will feature information that could always be found in the Nutrition Facts panel of Coca-Cola products, but is now easier for consumers to read at a glance.
The voluntary action is part of Coca-Cola's ongoing commitment to Live Positively, an operating philosophy that guides the manufacturer’s service to customers, consumers, and communities, and serves as the basis for its consumer-focused programs, products and packaging, and environmental efforts.
The new label, which will begin appearing on packages next year, will spotlight both calories per serving and number of servings per container.
Research has shown that calorie information is an important tool to help consumers make better decisions about the calorie contribution of foods and beverages to their total dietary intake, thereby helping them reach and/or maintain their optimal weight. In 2003 the Food and Drug Administration's Obesity Working Group (OWG) found that calories on the food label should be given higher prominence.
“We view our label as a powerful tool for education, an opportunity to communicate with consumers every time they choose one of our products at the store or have a Coca-Cola beverage on their table,” noted Celeste Bottorff, v.p. of the company's Living Well initiatives. “We listen to what consumers tell us they want, respond creatively, and encourage everyone to make informed decisions about what they drink, choices that reflect a sense of balance and moderation. It’s part of our Live Positively philosophy.”
For almost 20 years, Coca-Cola has led such labeling initiatives as adding per-package nutrition information on labels, as well as the per-serving information that's required by regulation. Last year the company started putting caffeine-content information on the labels of products with added caffeine.
The new front-of-package labeling will feature information that could always be found in the Nutrition Facts panel of Coca-Cola products, but is now easier for consumers to read at a glance.
The voluntary action is part of Coca-Cola's ongoing commitment to Live Positively, an operating philosophy that guides the manufacturer’s service to customers, consumers, and communities, and serves as the basis for its consumer-focused programs, products and packaging, and environmental efforts.