Foodmakers are in “a lobbying frenzy” over the administration’s proposal to have the Nutrition Facts label on food packages include how much sugar was added during processing, reports the Los Angeles Times. “The FDA has received 287,889 public comments on the plan, including many from major food companies and trade associations.” Reformers say consumers will take the listings into mind when they buy groceries. The food industry says the added line is unnecessary since Nutrition Facts already lists sugar content. “Sugar is sugar, and no evidence justifies singling out one type for added labeling requirements, industry officials say,” according to the Times’ report.
Among those expressing concern about the proposal are dairy groups worried about indirect disclosure of trade secrets for making flavored milk, the cranberry industry, soup makers, bread bakeries, cereal makers and yogurt companies, says the Times. “When the Environmental Working Group analyzed 80,000 food products, it found that 58% had extra sugar added. That included even most deli meats on supermarket shelves.”