Washington, D.C., May 16, 2012 – Last week the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued its obesity-prevention report at the Weight of the Nation™ conference hosted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This report included a call to action for increased access to healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables) at retail outlets nationwide . Findings from a new Michigan State University (MSU) study released today, underscored the critical role that canned fruits and vegetables play in helping Americans increase these intakes, regardless of geography or income level. It's time to visit the S.H.E.L.F.
The MSU study, "Nutrition and Cost Comparisons of Select Canned, Frozen and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables" analyzed more than 40 scientific journal studies and nutrition data, comparing canned fruits and vegetables to fresh and frozen based on nutrition and cost. The results created a reminder of the many good reasons why it's time to revisit what's on the S.H.E.L.F. Canned foods are not only tasty, they are:
"Canned foods can be a terrific option to easily and inexpensively incorporate great tasting nutrition into healthy meals," said Patricia Bannan, MS, RD, author of Eat Right When Time is Tight. "One of the IOM report directives is to increase access to healthy foods at various locales. It's important that people do not overlook the variety at convenience stores across the country with healthy options sitting on the S.H.E.L.F."
The release of the MSU study follows FDA announcement that BPA, a lining used to protect canned foods from contamination, is safe within current guidelines.
Additional study highlights can be found at www.cancentral.com/MSUStudy .
About the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI)
CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. CMI members account for the annual domestic production of 130 billion food, beverage and general-line metal cans. Together, they employ approximately 32,000 workers and operate nearly 150 plants in 36 states. For more information, visit www.cancentral.com .