Julius Goepp, MD Supports Efforts to Create Convenient Food Labels, Improve Nutrition of Nation

PHILADELPHIA, PA, October 22, 2012

Food labeling practices are attracting a great deal of attention in today's world, particularly with the debates regarding California's Proposition 37 in full swing. Another proposed food labeling practice is also garnering the interest of many nutrition and medical professionals. Although this initiative is not going to show up on any ballots this fall, Mark Bittman's proposed food label would make it easier for consumers to quickly choose items that fit both their dietary needs and personal values. Julius Goepp, MD congratulates Bittman on the design of the new label and laments that, given the current political and food industry environments, this initiative will most likely not get the attention it deserves.

The new food label will provide information regarding the nutrition, "foodness," and welfare associated with each item. By offering rating bars, the label allows consumers to compare the value of different items easily. Additionally, the label provides a total score, which is a cumulative ranking based upon the three categories previously listed. Finally, the label indicates whether or not the item contains genetically modified organisms.

"Mark Bittman's proposed new food label is an ambitious attempt at collating all of the materials that consumers really need to see in one, color-coded, front of the package graphic," explains Julius Goepp, MD. "Sadly, without major changes in the political and food industry landscapes, it will be a long time coming. Bittman's label conveniently (if subjectively) brings together much of what we should be considering when we evaluate the value of a new food. I'm especially taken by his attention to not just the nutritional value that such items offer, but also to what he calls their 'foodness.' This is a measure of how 'real' the food is, which is in line with Michael Pollan's definition of food. Bittman's third category, 'welfare,' is very intriguing. This measure of the good you do for others while eating your lunch, for example, has its appeal; however, I fear it will reach only the minority of people who already think hard about their consumption as something of a communal, public act. Nonetheless, three cheers for Bittman: he has the audience and the megaphone to bring at least some of these ideas to fruition."

Dr. Goepp believes that advances in food labeling processes have the potential to improve the health of the general public.

ABOUT:

Julius Goepp, MD is the senior consultant and co-founder of Lupine Creative Consulting, Inc. Based in Rochester, New York, the company allows him to assist healthcare organizations and small businesses with their efforts within the medical field. Julius Goepp, MD holds degrees from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland and has contributed much of his career to the pediatric field. Today, Julius Goepp, MD is spearheading the efforts of his company while providing insight regarding adult health conditions, preventative medicine, and other relevant medical topics to the general public through his writing.

Website: http://juliusgoeppmd.org