AMA Adopts Policies on Trans and Saturated Fat Labeling, Obesity Reduction

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted new public health policies concerning the reporting of fats on nutrition labels and obesity reduction. During its June 14, 2010, annual meeting, AMA urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adopt more “precise processes” to measure trans and saturated fat content in foods. Under current FDA guidelines, trans and saturated fat content can be listed on nutrition labels as zero if the food product contains less than 0.5 grams per serving. AMA claims that products labeled “trans fat free” or “zero trans fat” could supply in one serving as much as 25 percent of the recommended daily allowance of trans fats. Claiming that “it’s difficult to make dietary changes if food labels are unclear,” AMA board member Edward Langston urged FDA to use “clear, concise and uniform labeling” and list the most accurate information.

AMA also adopted a policy supporting efforts to make healthful foods more affordable than “nutrition-poor” foods. “Consuming unhealthy, high fat and high calorie foods increases the risk for obesity and its health consequences,” Langston said. “When the price difference between unhealthy and healthy foods puts healthy options out of reach, it’s clear that something must be done to close the price gap and make healthy food options available to everyone.” See AMA Press Release, June 14, 2010.