New Packaging Law Promises Revolution in Consumerism

Health Minister Yael German said that new requirements for listing ingredients of food products on the front of packages will bring about a “revolution” in consumerism.

Prof. Itamar Grotto, head of public health, said that “we are speaking of very important legislation aimed at helping consumers choose more healthful food products. Nutritional information — in the four categories of energy (calories), sugars, fat and sodium — will have to appear on the face of the package, while the “usual list of ingredients” will continue on the back.

The hope is that such a prominent display of nutritional content will induce shoppers to buy more healthy foods, and the amount of obesity, hypertension and heart disease in Israeli society will decline.

Prof. Danny Moran, director of the ministry’s national Program for an Active and Healthy Life (dubbed in Hebrew Efsharibari or Healthy is Possible), added that Israel will thereby join other Western countries in improving labeling and packaging.

“Indirectly,” he said, “it will influence purchasing habits, eating and behavior. We hope the Knesset will approve the amendments as soon as possible during the winter session that will bring about a revolution that will help all of us preserve our health more effectively.”

This article appeared in print on page 26 of the October 16th, 2013 edition of Hamodia.