According to the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA), there has been increased interest in recent years to mandate more information on front-of-package (FOP) labels to include specific nutrition information or incorporate symbols and other interpretive graphics. FOP nutrition labeling is an important issue for the convenience services industry. The labels can give consumers better access to essential nutrition information, especially when products are inside a vending machine.
The Reagan-Udall Foundation recently held a public meeting regarding FOP nutrition labeling. In addition to hearing from Food and Drug Administration officials, participants were given the opportunity to weigh in on proposed FOP labeling schemes. NAMA submitted comments in connection with the meeting, highlighting the unique relationship between vending and FOP labeling. NAMA noted the importance of a complementary approach, aligning any FOP regulations with existing calorie disclosure rules already in place for vending machines.
NAMA says it will continue to press FDA to base any decisions on workable solutions that are good for consumers, businesses and the convenience services industry. View NAMA’s full comments here.