Supervalu launches in-store nutrition ratings system

MINNEAPOLIS One of the largest supermarket operators in the country has launched a nutrition information program designed to advise customers on food choices.

Supervalu said its “nutrition IQ” program uses the Food and Drug Administration Nutrient Content Claims as a framework to determine the nutritional benefits of items that pass a set of qualifying criteria and are, at the base level, more healthful. The system uses color-coded shelf tags, with orange indicating foods rich in fiber, blue indicating foods rich in calcium, purple indicating low-calorie foods, red indicating low saturated fat content and so forth.

Supervalu plans to implement the program at its stores nationwide, including Albertsons, Cub Foods, Hornbachers, Jewel-Osco and others.