A new front-of-package U.S. labeling initiative that General Mills is strongly supporting, “Nutrition Keys,” is a set of icons designed to make it easier for consumers to make informed food choices in the grocery aisle. 

The Nutrition Keys labeling system places important information, such as calories, saturated fat, sodium and total sugars, on the front of packages.

The icons will inform consumers about how the key nutrients in each product fit into their diets as part of the federal government’s daily dietary advice.

General Mills will incorporate the new Nutrition Keys icon on its products as new packages are produced.

Enhanced information Some products also will display important information about “nutrients to encourage” that are under-consumed in the diet of the general population, as well as other nutrients that are important to proper nutrition.

Nutrients to encourage that may appear on some products: potassium, fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and iron. Manufacturers can select any two of the eight nutrients.

All eight nutrients were viewed to reflect key public health goals, with four of them (fiber, calcium, potassium and vitamin D) specifically identified as "shortfall nutrients" in the 2010 U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee's report.

General Mills has long been focused on improving the health and nutrition profile of products, and as far back as 2004 placed a Goodness Corner icon on Big G cereal boxes and select Green Giant vegetables and some snacks.

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