The nutrition label can be a valuable tool to help consumers make informed decisions about their diets and lifestyles. 

In many parts of the world, nutritionists, health officials, food producers and consumers are examining the provision of nutrition information on food and drink product labels. In a climate where the prevalence of diet- and nutrition-related disease is increasing, it is important that the nutrition information provided is appropriate and understandable to the consumer and has an impact on food choice behaviors.

With this in mind, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation and the Canadian Council of Food and Nutrition (CCFN) joined forces with food information organizations from Europe and Asia to stage an international Web cast discussion of consumer perceptions of the food label, in the United States and around the world.

Moderated by Professor Theresa Glanville, PhD, Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada, the Web cast looked at the data gathered globally and sought to establish commonalities and differences.

The event took place on March 8, 2007, with PowerPoint presentations from the IFIC Foundation, CCFN, the European Food Information Council, and the Asian Food Information Centre.  A live, interactive question-answer period followed the four presentations.

If you were unable to participate in the original Web cast, you can still listen to the proceedings online, view the presentations, and hear the question-and-answer session and comments and recommendations made by the four presenters.  To access the Web cast go to
http://w.on24.com/r.htm?e=36408&s=1&k=93CCCF818E7C892EBE868B95E93A5D84 and log in. 

The Web cast will be available online until August 2007.