Heart-Check: A Small Check That Can Make a Big Difference
We all know the feeling of standing in a grocery store aisle, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by all the choices available. Here at the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ, we take the health and wellness of all Americans to heart. That’s why, more than 20 years ago, we established the Heart-Check mark.
When you spot our Heart-Check mark on a food item, you'll instantly know the food has been certified to meet nutrition requirements based on the sound science of the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ. It gives you an easy, reliable way to identify heart-healthy foods that can be part of a sensible eating plan. In other words, looking for the Heart-Check mark is an easy way to Eat Smart.
Why trust the Heart-Check?
Because we have high standards and here’s why:
- Trustworthy Organization - We’ve been guiding shoppers to healthier choices since 1995 and research shows that the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ is the authority most trusted by consumers to decide if a product may display a nutrition message or mark.
- Science-Based Criteria - Heart-Check=Science Checked. Our criteria are backed by science and based on ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵ scientific statements and recommendations.
- Transparent Criteria – We have nothing to hide, which is why Heart-Check nutrition requirements are publicly available on our website.
- Strong Monitoring and Enforcement - Program staff validate that products’ Nutrition Facts label values meet Heart-Check nutrition requirements. Lab tests are required when certain nutrient values approach certification limits and staff conduct packaging and promotional reviews to ensure compliance with program requirements.
- Ease of Use - The Heart-Check mark is easy to spot and takes much of the guesswork out of reading Nutrition Facts and label information.
- Results Speak For Themselves - A 2014 research study found that people who report eating foods that meet Heart-Check certification requirements are more likely to eat healthier and have fewer heart disease risk factors.
There are currently close to 1,000 Heart-Check certified products so the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed in the aisles, look for our Heart-Check mark. When you see it, you know it’s a choice you can trust.