Wal-Mart Unveils New Label for Healthy Foods

Wal-Mart unveiled a simple new icon which it plans on using to help consumers make health-conscious decisions in its stores without reading through the fine print on nutrition labels. The move could be a significant development in the nation’s fight against obesity because of Wal-Mart’s tremendous influence over the marketplace over consumers and food vendors alike.

The Federal Drug Administration has been working on a standardized system to label healthy food choices with, but Wal-Mart has decided that it doesn’t want to wait, unveiling its own new green icon that looks like a man doing a jumping jack. The company will begin printing the icon on certain Great value and Marketside products, in addition to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Wal-Mart said that its criteria for the “Great For You” label will be posted on its official website. The move is part of a broader plan, endorsed by First Lady Michelle Obama, to fight obesity. The company has also said it will reduce prices on healthier items and reduce potentially harmful ingredients like sodium, sugar and trans fat in its store brand products. The company said that “Great For You” icons would begin appearing on products in April, spreading to additional products through the rest of the year. Beyond applying the icons to its own products, Wal-Mart said it will also allow its suppliers to use the icons on items approved by Wal-Mart.