Whole Grain Stamp Reaches Milestone:
Now on Over 1000 Products


BOSTON, MA — January 31, 2007 -  The Whole Grain Stamp, an eye-catching black and gold symbol created by the Whole Grains Council to help consumers quickly and easily find whole grain products, now appears on over 1000 food packages.

Three products were approved for certification on the same day, tying for honors as the milestone 1000th product: Annie’s Whole Wheat Shells and Cheddar, Thomas’ Whole Wheat Mini Square Bagelbread, and Multigrain Lightly Salted Tortilla Chips from Snyder’s of Hanover.  “These three products – an entrée, a bread and a snack – illustrate the huge diversity of the one thousand products bearing the Stamp,” said Jeff Dahlberg, Chairman of the Whole Grains Council.  “All three of these products contain a full serving (16g) or more of whole grains, to help Americans reach the Dietary Guidelines goal of three or more servings of whole grains per day.”

The Stamp details the whole grain content, in grams, of each food.  Products must contain a half serving (8g) or more of whole grains per serving, in order to qualify for the Whole Grain Stamp.  In fact, 76% of the products currently using the Stamp contain a full serving or more of whole grain. In addition to entrées, breads and snacks, Stamped products available nationwide also include pasta, cereals, tortillas, cookies, waffles, soups, side dishes and crackers.  To see a list of products using the Stamp, visit www.wholegrainscouncil.org and select “WG Product Finder.”

Consumers have welcomed the Whole Grain Stamp because it eliminates confusion in choosing healthy whole grain products.  Consumer focus groups held in October 2006 in three Midwest cities questioned shoppers about the Stamp, and found they thought it carried “helpful and meaningful information.”  A Harris Interactive poll carried out in December 2005 found that a majority of shoppers said they would be more likely to purchase a product bearing the Whole Grain Stamp.

“Collect Whole Grain Stamps at your local grocery store,” said K. Dun Gifford, President of Oldways, the Boston-based food issues think tank that organized and manages the Whole Grains Council.  “Instead of winning a toaster or a set of glasses, you’ll win the greatest prize of all – better health.”  Research shows that increased consumption of whole grain reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses, while helping with weight control.

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For more information contact:

Courtney Davis
Media Manager, Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
(617) 896-4888
courtney@oldwayspt.org

Oldways / The Whole Grains Council
266 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116
Tel (617) 421-5500
www.oldwayspt.org