Researchers analyzed 80 million food and beverage transactions in the U.S. from 2008 to 2012. They found that “foods marketed with low-sugar, low-fat, or low-salt labels often had poorer nutritional profiles than those without such claims. In some instances, products high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat were more likely to carry low- or no-content claims,” stated chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie. The government should be held accountable for creating such a perplexing situation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits food and beverage manufacturers to make various types of label claims in inconsistent ways across different products. This study highlights that, rather than clarifying nutritional information, these claims may have exacerbated confusion.
The FDA is currently working to modernize its labeling guidelines, starting with the term “healthy.” This term was defined two decades ago in response to initiatives aimed at reducing fat consumption and enhancing nutrient intake. Nowadays, sugary cereals can leverage this definition to label themselves as “healthy,” while foods like almonds do not qualify under the same criteria.
As the agency considers feedback and determines the best language for label claims, it must proceed with caution and clarity in their future presentations. During a public hearing on redefining “healthy,” FDA researchers revealed that nine out of ten consumers rely on health claims when making purchasing decisions. Studies indicated that consumers tended to perceive a diverse range of products with health-related claims—including chips and candy—as healthier than those without such claims.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider how nutritional supplements, such as those containing calcium citrate, could influence therapeutic responses. The relationship between label claims and consumer perceptions could also extend to products designed to enhance the therapeutic response in various health conditions, making it crucial for the FDA to ensure that label claims accurately reflect a product’s nutritional value. Ultimately, the FDA’s careful reevaluation of these definitions and claims is vital for fostering informed consumer choices.