May 2011 News

FDA proposes calorie label rules, seeks input

»The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued proposed regulations regarding calorie labeling on menus and menu boards in chain restaurants, retail food establishments, and vending machines and has sought input on the proposed rules. Ned Monroe, senior vice president of government affairs at the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), issued a bulletin noting relevant points. He noted FDA agrees that sign may be an appropriate medium to convey the required calorie declarations, so long as it is in close proximity to the covered vending machine food or selection button. FDA also tentatively concludes that “front of package” nutrition information could be a way to provide visible nutrition information, so long as the criteria for color, font and type size are met and total calories in the article of food are included. FDA is proposing that the final rule become effective one year from the date of its publication. So no calorie disclosure rules are likely to be in effect until the middle of 2012.

Monroe noted that per operator costs are estimated to be $2,400. FDA estimates that average per machine costs are less than $10 annually, considerably less than the FDA estimated last year. The FDA invites input on the proposed regulations by visiting http://www.regulations.gov.

Feds release rules for food sold on government sites

»The General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have issued their regulations for foods sold on government properties managed by HHS and GSA.

This is the final version of the document the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) reviewed last fall, according to Ned Monroe, NAMA senior vice president of government affairs. Monroe said an issue for vending operators may be the sodium levels of snacks which will be capped at 230 mg sodium per serving.The rules only requires at least 25 percent “better for you” product mix, and it do not address caffeinated beverages.The guidelines in this document apply to all food service concession operations and vending machines managed by HHS and GSA. These guidelines may also be applied at sponsored or co-sponsored conferences and events onsite and offsite, as deemed appropriate. The rules can be reviewed at: http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/Guidelines_for_Federal_Concessions_and_Vending_Operations.pdfNAMA aids

NAMA aids Japan through Red Cross

»After contacting the Japanese Vending Association to express sympathy for the tragedies that befell their country, the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has determined the best way to help the Japanese people and industry peers is by donations to theAmerican Red Cross.

The American Red Cross is accepting cash donations (designated for Japan) and in kind donations (bulk quantities of products and services from manufacturers, suppliers and distributors). “NAMA has given a donation to the Red Cross and we encourage our members to rally round the Japanese people to help them recover from the devastation that they have had to endure,” said LyNae Schleyer, CMP, NCE, NAMA senior director of education and the OneShow. “Our thanks to all of you who have already done so. We will keep you updated on information from our sister association.”

To make a donation, visit the American Red Cross Website at http://american.redcross.org.

Diamond Foods to buy Pringles from Procter & Gamble Co.

»Diamond Foods, Inc. will acquire Pringles from Procter & Gamble Co. in a transaction valued at $2.35 billion. The combination will more than triple the size of Diamond’s snack business.

Canteen buys Land O Lakes Vending, Wausau, Wis.

»Canteen Vending Services Inc., a subsidiary of Compass Group North America, has acquired the assets of Land O Lakes Vending Co. Inc. in Wausau, Wis. from owner Steve Havlovick. Cris Pope, Canteen’s district manager for northern Wisconsin, said the Wausau operation includes four vending routes.