雀巢推动美国食品标签使用更简单配料名称

Nestle (NSRGY) is urging U.S. authorities to allow food companies to use simpler ingredient descriptions on product labels, as the Swiss food giant tries to counter growing consumer concerns over unfamiliar-sounding ingredients in packaged foods, Reuters reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The KitKat maker pushed for the use of more familiar terms instead of scientific names, with examples including replacing “ascorbic acid” with “vitamin C” and “beta-carotene” with “vitamin A” on ingredient lists, according to sources.
A former senior Nestle (NSRGY) executive told the agency that U.S. labeling rules can sometimes make products appear like “Frankenstein food” by requiring technical terms that consumers may associate with artificial ingredients, even when substances are naturally derived or approved as safe.
Nestle (NSRGY) technology chief Stefan Palzer confirmed the company was working through trade associations to advocate for less complex labels, saying consumers globally prefer ingredient lists that are easier to understand.
The effort comes as food manufacturers face mounting pressure from shoppers seeking shorter ingredient lists and products perceived as less processed. Industry groups, including those representing ingredient transparency initiatives, argue that scientific terminology can unfairly influence consumer perceptions.
Public health advocates, however, have warned that replacing scientific names with simpler terms could potentially reduce transparency and make it harder for shoppers to evaluate products.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it continues to work with industry stakeholders on ways to help Americans make informed food choices.