Friedman's Freshmarkets has added a new food labeling program that helps consumers identify products that meet federal guidelines for healthy foods.

Healthy Elements is being offered by Friedman's in cooperation with SUPERVALU, a food supplier to independent retailers.

"Consumers are becoming more selective about the food they eat because they are more knowledgeable about how it impacts their health," said Carole Bitter, Friedman's president and CEO, in a company news release.

"Healthy Elements is a 'source to a healthier you.' It is designed to make it quick, easy and convenient for shoppers in our store to identify products that will support their lifestyle choices," she said.

It will list such information as fiber, calories, cholesterol, fat, sodium, gluten free and organic, according to the news release.

The program is supported through in-store brochures, posters, window signs and shelf labels. Consumers also might see information in Friedman's Freshmarkets' advertising circulars.

Thousands of items in the grocery, frozen and dairy departments will be identified through Healthy Elements. Each item will be labeled with a green shelf tag that lists up to four attributes. Product lists will be updated every four months.

The Healthy Elements attributes are labeled based on Federal Department of Agriculture guidelines or manufacturer information as provided on the package's nutritional panel.

Depending upon customer Feedback, Friedman's might add additional stores to the Healthy Elements Program.

The company operates five Friedman's Freshmarket stores in Butler County and provides supervision for the East Brady Freshmarket.