Kellogg's to be up front about nutrition

One major phase will change the look of its front-panel packaging. Starting later this year, consumers will see Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs) on the front of ready-to-eat cereal packages in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In the U.S., new packaging will feature an easy-to-use labeling system on the top, right-hand corner of cereal boxes, identifying percentages of calories, total fat, sodium, and grams of sugar per serving. As such, the front-of-pack labels will also identify the nutrients American consumers need to consume more of, including fiber, calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The percentages are based on a typical 2,000-calorie daily diet.

The front-of-pack summary gives a quick snapshot of how a food fits into a consumer’s daily diet and complements the nutrition label found on the side panel. Kellogg first pioneered the use of GDAs in Europe and Australia, where the labeling approach has been well-received and adopted by the industry. Kellogg is also encouraging other food and beverage companies to join the initiative in the U.S. and is in ongoing dialogue with industry on uniformity in labeling.

The Nutrient Criteria set an upper threshold per serving of 200 calories, 2 g of saturated fat, labeled 0 g of trans fat, 230 mg of sodium and labeled 12 g of sugar.

Kellogg will apply the Nutrient Criteria to all of its products marketed to children under age 12 around the world. Those products that don’t meet the Criteria will either be reformulated to meet the Nutrient Criteria or they will no longer be marketed by the end of 2008.