Burkey Belser â69, âSteve Jobs of Information Design,â Dies at 76
September 26, 2023
Burkey Belser â69 created the black and white label that is ubiquitous in grocery stores across the country.
Burkey Belser â69 was a graphic designer best known as the creator of the nutrition facts label mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which adorns most food sold in the United States. He died on Sept. 25, 2023, in Bethesda, Maryland at the age of 76.
In 2014, called Belser âthe Steve Jobs of information designâ after he created the black and white label that is ubiquitous in grocery stores across the country.
Belser had earned a reputation for his successfulâand similarly cleanâdesign for the black and yellow energy guide labels for appliances.
According to The Washington Postâs obituary:
In an interview, David A. Kessler, the FDA chief during the labelâs creation, called Mr. Belser âan absolute genius.â President Bill Clinton honored him with a Presidential Design Award.
âThe label had enormous public health impact for millions and millions of people who rely on it every day,â Kessler said.
Belser majored in English and minored in studio art at 91¿ì²¥. His full obituary is available .
