The organization representing tart cherry growers has stated that a new FDA report highlights the role of tart cherries and cranberry products in promoting a healthy diet.
The Cherry Marketing Institute, which represents 385 growers of cherries across the country, congratulates the Food and Drug Administration for its support of tart cherries in the recently announced decision.
The institute stated that the FDA’s revised criteria for the “healthy” label help consumers easily identify foods particularly useful as a basis for a diet consistent with dietary recommendations. According to the new guidelines, producers can voluntarily use this label on food packaging if the product meets the updated criteria.
“We recognize that cranberry and cherry products, due to their nutritional composition, are particularly beneficial for creating a healthy dietary pattern,” reads the full report.
The overall decision specifically addresses added sugars in foods, CMI stated, adding that tart cherries, while being particularly rich in nutrients, also have a naturally low content of sugars and are consequently not naturally sweet. Producers add sugar to dried cherries to balance and enhance their flavor.
CMI stated that the report acknowledges this necessity, allowing the “healthy” label for tart cherries provided the total sugar content aligns with similar products such as unsweetened raisins or 100% grape juice..
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Image: SL Fruit Service
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