News

July 10, 2003

FDA to Encourage Science-Based Labeling and Competition for Healthier Dietary Choices

The report highlighted the key areas where FDA intends to focus efforts on providing better nutrition information and health messages to consumers in the coming months:

• The benefits of eating at least several servings a week of foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, including certain oily fish like ocean salmon, tuna and mackerel, for reducing the risk of heart disease.
• The benefits of eating five to nine servings a day of fruits and vegetables for reducing the risk of some cancers and other chronic illnesses.
• The benefits of replacing solid fats that are high in saturated and trans fats with vegetable oils containing unsaturated fats for reducing the risk of heart disease.
• The benefits of substituting nuts for other sources of saturated-fat-containing protein to help reduce the risk of heart disease.

The scientific information in support of these health benefits has led to their inclusion in recommendations from various scientific organizations, including such government agencies as the National Cancer Institute and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute as well as non-governmental organizations such as the American Heart Association. In addition, the "Five a Day" campaign is a hallmark of health education programs throughout the Department of Health and Human Services.