Target: Marty Makary, Commissioner of U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Goal: Support introduction of front-of-package labeling onto food and beverage products.
When the President of the United States declared – with no medical training and no credible scientific backing – that the commonly used medication Tylenol could cause autism, it highlighted (much like a previous suggestion from the president to drink bleach to combat COVID-19) the importance of leaving healthcare product guidance to the professionals. In the United States, such guidance falls under the purview of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A long-overdue step that was put into motion by the previous administration could help build Americans’ trust in this important agency and, in the process, strike a blow against preventable chronic illnesses.
For years, other nations have made front-of-package labeling on products a priority. Under this system, packaged drinks and foods have important nutritional information clearly displayed not on the back but on the front of products, readily within the sights of consumers. Ingredients commonly linked with chronic healthcare problems – such as added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats – are assigned a plainly stated ranking of high, medium, or low concentration levels. Consumers would therefore be able to make more informed decisions about the products they consume and the effects these products could have on their overall health.
Sign the petition below to urge the FDA to make this proposal a reality.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Makary,
With the rise of chronic illnesses like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease and the ongoing concern about ultra-processed foods, consumers would likely benefit greatly from more transparent information about the products they are relying on for sustenance. Studies have consistently shown that front-of-package labeling has helped consumers make healthier choices across the globe. It is far past time the United States joins much of the rest of the world by offering this resource to the American people.
Please expedite the process of approval and implementation of a tool that can pay priceless dividends in the healthcare world.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Kampus Production
