MARKETING CLAIMS

According to the L.A. Times, the FDA recently revealed that it had sent warning letters to 17 food makers accused of printing false or misleading nutrition information on product packages.

Although it is good news that the FDA is taking action on misleading labels, it also serves as a reminder that we cannot believe everything we read on our food packaging. Our best advice to you is to take everything you read on the front of the package with a grain of salt. Look at the ingredient list and food labels on the back of the package for more accurate information.

It's also important to know what the "health claims" on food packaging actually mean. For example, do you know what “Lite” on food packaging really means? Is it a product that is low in salt or is it low-fat or fat-free?

Here is a good resource that explains what the FDA requirements are for specific health claims. (Be sure to scroll down to the charts to compare what the label says and what it means.)

Got any questions or comments about food labeling? Add you comment by clicking on "comments" here.