VendScreen Notes Touchscreens Value In Meeting FDA Labeling Rule

PORTLAND, OR -- VendScreen reports that its retrofittable touchscreens meet the new Food and Drug Administration regulations requiring operators of more than 20 vending machines to make caloric-content information about vended products available to consumers at the point of purchase.

FDA wrote the rule to meet the requirements imposed on food retail locations by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. The labeling rule will take effect next year. | SEE STORY

The VendScreen device and supporting software converts a vending machine into an interactive retail outlet. Its display can present not only caloric content, but also nutritional and other product information.

"Offering point-of-purchase nutritional information at vending machines was the inspiration for VendScreen's beginnings," said Vendscreen president and chief officer Dave Grano, "but it's really only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the capabilities we can afford vending machine operators."

Operators who don't upgrade existing machines with new technology may be limited in their approach complying with the new FDA rule, Grano pointed out. In particular, they may require significant human resources to add calorie rolls or stickers, or substantial capital to acquire intelligent machines.

The VendScreen system not only provides consumers with full access to product and nutritional information, but also boasts such features as cashless payment, instant help, loyalty rewards and credit codes for refunds.