The lack of a publicly-accessible database of labels is inhibiting the innovation in the area of healthy nutrition and marginalizes the benefits of using labels by the consumers.

Mark Bittman, a writer for the New York Times, is proposing a new way to label foods so that all consumers need to do is take a quick glance at the package to make an informed decision about their health.

For most, deciphering nutrition labels can be like reading hieroglyphics. It can be time-consuming and thankless. I'm committed to providing my readers as much accurate nutrition information as possible.

Understanding nutrition claims and market tricks will allow the average shopper to make quick, healthy choices without spending hours comparing labels.

After overindulging during the holidays, many of us have resolved to eat a healthier diet in the new year. But doing so means choosing the right foods, and too often misleading food labels prompt us to purchase items that we think are good for us but really aren't.