WASHINGTON, July 28 (UPI) -- Pears have 50 percent more fiber than previous labels indicated, according to new labeling values by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"This is great news for consumers seeking tasty, nutritious sources of fiber," said Kevin Moffitt, chief executive officer Pear Bureau Northwest, a non-profit organization representing 1,600 Oregon and Washington pear growers.
A medium pear -- about the size of a tennis ball -- now is labeled at 6 grams of fiber -- about 24 percent of the recommended daily intake for most adults.
The new label has raised the level of fiber from 4 grams to 6 grams, potassium from 180 mg to 190 mg and carbohydrates from 25 grams to 26 grams.
The FDA has amended the nutrition labeling regulations of the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits, vegetables and fish in the United States. The new regulations will officially take effect January 2007.
