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FDA Encouraging Kids to Read Food Labels

By Associated Press

Nutrition experts and the FDA are advocating teaching children to read food labels themselves instead of relying on mom and dad. FDA Encouraging Kids to Read Food Labels

Published: Tue, September 18, 2007 - 1:37 pm Last Updated: Tue, September 18, 2007 - 1:47 pm

MIAMI (AP) - Nutrition experts and the Food and Drug Administration are advocating teaching children to read food labels
themselves instead of relying on mom and dad.
One 10-year-old from the Miami area, Marie Grandguillotte, says she reads the food labels when she goes grocery shopping with her
mother. She looks for calories and ingredients and knows to avoid fat and cholesterol.
But another 10-year-old shopper, Sofia Rachi, says she doesn't "really know what to look for."
The FDA and the Cartoon Network have launched a public education campaign encouraging children ages nine to 13 to read the nutrition
facts on food labels.
An interactive Web page on the Cartoon Network's Web site teaches kids to avoid foods high in fat, cholesterol, sodium and
sugar and consume more foods with potassium, fiber, iron and calcium. It offers information on serving sizes and calories.
The FDA will launch a campaign for parents next year reinforcing the same message.
What to look for on nutrition labels when choosing foods:
- Find the serving size: One package may contain more than one serving
- Consider calories: 40 calories is low, 100 is moderate and 400 is high
- Check for nutrients: Pick foods that are lower in certain fats, cholesterol and sodium

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)