TheUniversity of Michigan Health System has created a program that labels food products to help shoppers with heart problems. The colour-coded labels indicating healthy choices are placed on foods that are low in fat and cholesterol and high in fibre. A recent study conducted by the University of Michigan shows that the M-Fit Shelf Labeling program has raised nutritional awareness and impacted behaviour of customers at 18 selected supermarkets over a one-year period. The M-Fit Shelf Labeling Program was developed in 1991 by a staff of registered dietitians at the University of Michigan Community Nutrition Education program. The dietitians researched more than 10,000 food products to help grocery shoppers make healthier choices by using colour-coded labels to identify foods that are heart-friendly. "Best Choice" foods have a green label, while "Acceptable Choice" foods have a yellow label. "Package nutrition labels can be confusing, but this simple colour-coding tells shoppers at a glance which food they could make a part of their regular diet, and which should be enjoyed in moderation," said registered dietitian Holly Noble, who coordinates the M-Fit program. "Based on this study, it appears they (the consumer) are seeing it and using it."
