News Release
COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES PLANS
TO PLACE CALORIE INFORMATION ON FRONT OF PACKAGES IN THE U.S.
New Effort Communicates Important Consumer Information, Continues
Company's "Live Positively" Philosophy
ATLANTA, October 24, 2008 -
Coca-Cola North America today announced it plans to place calories-per-serving
and servings-per-container information on the front of all packages
for its entire U.S. beverage portfolio. Research shows that calorie
information is an important tool to help people make informed decisions
about the calorie contribution of foods and beverages to their total
dietary intake, and thus is important information in helping them
achieve and/or maintain their healthy weight. In 2003, the Food and
Drug Administration's (FDA) Obesity Working Group (OWG) concluded
that "Calories Count" and more prominence to calories on
the food label should be given. This action is designed to help consumers
make dietary selections that enable them to stay within their total
daily calorie allotment. The new label, which will begin appearing
on packages next year, will highlight both calories per serving and
number of servings per container.
"We view our label as a powerful tool for education, an opportunity
to communicate with consumers every time they choose one of our products
at the store or have a Coca-Cola beverage on their table," said
Celeste Bottorff, Vice President of Living Well. "We listen to
what consumers tell us they want, respond creatively and encourage
everyone to make informed decisions about what they drink, choices
that reflect a sense of balance and moderation. It's part of our Live
Positively philosophy."
Coca-Cola has been at the forefront of labeling initiatives for nearly
20 years, leading the way in adding per-package nutrition information
on labels, in addition to the per-serving information that is required
by regulation. Last year, the Company began including caffeine-content
information on the labels of products with added caffeine. The new
front-of-package labeling includes information that was always located
in the Nutrition Facts panel of Coca-Cola products, but it is now
easier for consumers to see this important information at-a-glance.
This voluntary action is the latest example of Coca-Cola's commitment
to Live Positively, an operating philosophy that guides the Company's
service to its customers, consumers and communities. This guiding
philosophy is the basis for the Company's consumer-focused programs,
products and packaging and efforts to help the environment. To learn
more about Live Positively and Coca-Cola's efforts to support balanced,
positive living, visit the new website www.livepositively.com.
About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company is the world's largest beverage
company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still
brands. Along with Coca-Cola®, recognized as the
world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other
billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke®, Fanta®, Sprite®,
Coca-Cola Zero®, vitaminwater, POWERade®, Minute
Maid® and Georgia® Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider
of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink
teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution
system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages
at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment
to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives
that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic
development of the communities where we operate. For more information
about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.
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