Nestle lobbies US for simpler food labels

Nestle, the maker of Nescafe coffee and KitKat chocolate, has been lobbying U.S. authorities to allow simpler descriptions using common rather than scientific names on packaging. Examples include replacing 'ascorbic acid' with 'vitamin C' and 'beta-carotene' with 'vitamin A'. The company has raised the issue directly with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s team as officials review food-labelling policies under the administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative. The lobbying effort has not previously been reported. Current U.S. rules often require technical terms, which can deter shoppers. In Europe, labelling depends on intended use, allowing simpler terms. A report by Innova Market Insights found that about three-quarters of North American consumers reconsider purchases based on ingredient lists. Nestle's technology chief, Stefan Palzer, confirmed the company is engaged in lobbying via trade associations. Industry groups including Americans for Ingredient Transparency and the International Food Additives Council, whose members include Nestle, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and Cargill, argue that technical names unfairly stigmatize products. Some public health advocates argue that less scientific labelling can be misleading.