Since one popular New Year resolution is to lose weight, it seems appropriate that the government issued the first draft of its updated dietary guidelines in January. The 71-page report recommended Americans increase their intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low- and non-fat dairy products.
At about the same time, Kraft Foods Inc. announced initiatives to highlight nutritious products in its massive portfolio. The company used nutrition criteria described in the guidelines, as well as information derived from other public health entities, to design its new “Sensible Solution” labeling program. Products meeting certain nutritional criteria will feature an on-package flag; the program will launch in April.