Food Lion has launched a nutrition-information program for its food items.

The program, dubbed the Guiding Stars Nutrition Navigation System, places a number of stars -- one, two or three -- on a product's shelf tag that represents the nutritional value of the item, with three stars being the most nutritious choice.

"Based on initial research, our company has experienced a positive response from customers who desire assistance with nutritious shopping for themselves and their families," says Ken Mills, Food Lion's vice president of sales and marketing. "With this innovative system, Food Lion stores are providing shoppers with an easy-to-use approach to make the best dietary choices."

The program is available at all Food Lion stores.

The system were drawn from labeling standards and nutrient levels set by the national health organizations.

Salisbury-based Food Lion is a subsidiary of Delhaize Group (NYSE:DEG) of Belgium. Food Lion operates more than 1,300 supermarkets, either directly or through affiliated entities, under the names of Food Lion, Bloom, Bottom Dollar Food, Harveys and Reid's.