FDA Docket Nos. The Association believes nutrient content claims and health claims should support and promote the importance of consuming a variety of foods and a balanced meal plan. Labeling should assist the public in integrating foods into a well-balanced diet, avoiding distortion of dietary habits and the preoccupation with specific foods, food components, or health problems.
Food labels are a powerful and important mechanism that can influence consumer preferences.
ADA's Nutrition Trends Survey conducted in 1997 found that close to 70 percent of consumers say they buy foods either more or less often based on the food label. The food label must continue to provide accurate and clear information to consumers. ADA supports the concept that there are no good or bad foods, and all foods can fit into a balanced diet. The 1995 Dietary Guidelines for Americans clearly recognizes the importance of applying dietary recommendations to diets consumed over several days and not to single foods or meals. The food industry should also be recognized for efforts to comply with the definition and developing hundreds of products that meet the first, and to a lesser extent, second tier sodium levels.