Daily Iowan

Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Metro

The panel of food nutritionists has already scored 20,000 products, and it plans to have 50,000 rated by its launch date. Ultimately, the group hopes to have a database of around 200,000 products. The ratings will also be available on the group's website for consumers to view.

Katz originally presented the system to the Food and Drug Administration. Although Katz said the organization liked his algorithm and found it effective, it couldn't implement the index.

So getting manufacturers to place the rating scale on its packaging is key to its success, Katz added.

Friesleben said Hy-Vee can place it on its own products, but not on the packaging of other products in the store.

"We can't go to other companies and make them put that number on the products," she said. "But their products will be tested, and we can put that rating on the shelf tag."

Katz said his group will continue to re-evaluate products, as well as the scale's algorithm, to ensure the ratings are as factual as possible.

"I think the key is it is a revolutionary and simple way for people to evaluate the foods that they eat," Friesleben said. "It's something that is a long time coming. We hope people will be excited about it and be able to incorporate it into their food-buying decisions."

E-mail DI reporter Brian Stewart at:

brian-stewart@uiowa.edu

< prev Page 2 of 2

Article Tools