CSPI Urges Food Labeling Crackdown

WASHINGTONUrging a crackdown on false and misleading food labeling, the Center for Science and Public Interest (CSPI) sent the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a 158-page report that documents some of the most egregious examples of false claims, ingredient obfuscations and other shenanigans by major food and beverage brands.

According to the report, though under the Obama Administration the FDA is sending more warning letters to food manufacturers about misleading labeling, many major companies, including Coca-Cola, Kellogg, Kraft, General Mills, and Nestlé, continue to confuse or defraud consumers about the health effects, ingredients, or "natural"-ness of their products.

CSPI wants the agency to prohibit qualified health claims for foods. Unlike health claims that must meet a "significant scientific agreement" standard, qualified health claims include disclaimers explaining that the scientific evidence is uncertain. CSPI also wants the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prohibit misleading "structure/function" claims that a given food will "support" or "maintain" healthy immune systems, joints, vision, and so on. Consumers simply can't distinguish between stringently regulated health claims, which require FDA approval, and structure/function claims, which dont, according to CSPI.

The report cited examples of misleading labeling claims by Kellogg's Smart Start Strawberry Oat Bites, Nestlé's Carnation Instant Breakfast, Kashi Heart to Heart Instant Oatmeal, Glacéau Vitaminwater, Edy's ice cream, Thomas' Hearty Grains English Muffins, Gerber Graduates Juice Treats, and Minute Maid Cranberry Apple Cocktail.