The Nutri-Facts Program

In the mid-1980's, the meat industry, working with the American Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute, introduced the Meat Nutri-Facts program, a point-of-purchase consumer nutrition information and education program, designed to inform consumers of the contribution of meat to a healthy diet. The purpose was to help health-conscious consumers make informed choices on meat purchases. All data was presented for a three-ounce, cooked, closely trimmed serving-the average size recommended by U.S. Dietary Guidelines. In addition, all data presented was from the Official USDA nutrition data source, the Agriculture Handbook 8 series.

In 1992, in response to the enactment of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA), the Nutri-Facts program was revised to include fresh meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables. While the primary thrust of the program was to assure compliance with NLEA requirements for the FDA-regulated fresh products (seafood, fruits and vegetables), it did implement a store-wide fresh product nutrition labeling program for retailers. The USDA and FDA published final rules for "voluntary" labeling of fresh meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables in 1994.

The food industry worked closely with USDA and FDA in developing the revised Nutri-Facts program, targeted at meeting the compliance requirements specified by the USDA and FDA regulations. Posting of the information within the specific department (meat, poultry, seafood, fresh fruits and vegetables) assures full compliance with the regulatory requirements. Since both the USDA and FDA consider point-of-purchase information "product labeling", the Nutri-Facts posters and/or brochures (or any similar method, such as on-package labeling) will meet the labeling requirements. The required information must be present at all times as consumer information. USDA (FSIS) will evaluate retailers in the voluntary program every two years. If significant participation is not found, it is possible that a mandatory program could be implemented.

Each Nutri-Facts Kit Contains:

For additional information on the Nutri-Facts program contact:
 
The Food Marketing Institute
(202) 452-8444



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Michigan Beef Industry Commission
2145 University Park Drive, suite 300
Okemos, Michigan 48864
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