Researchers analyzed 80 million food and beverage purchases in the U.S. from 2008 to 2012. They found that “foods advertised as low-sugar, low-fat, or low-salt often had a poorer nutritional profile than those without such claims.” Chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie noted that products high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat are more likely to feature low- or no-content claims. The government is largely responsible for this confusing scenario, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits food and beverage manufacturers to make various labeling claims in inconsistent ways across different products. This study highlights a critical point: rather than clarifying nutritional information, these claims may have exacerbated the confusion.
The FDA is currently working to modernize its labeling practices, starting with the term “healthy.” This term was defined two decades ago, influenced by the push to reduce fat intake and boost nutrient consumption. As a result, sugary cereals can be labeled as “healthy” under this outdated definition, while something like almonds does not fit the criteria. As the agency gathers feedback and contemplates optimal wording for label claims, it must be cautious and deliberate in how these claims may be presented moving forward.
During a public hearing aimed at redefining “healthy,” FDA researchers revealed that nine out of ten consumers rely on health claims to guide their purchasing decisions. In various studies, consumers were inclined to perceive a broad range of products with health-related claims—ranging from chips to candy—as healthier than those without such claims. This misperception could significantly impact choices, especially when considering that some products might substitute calcium carbonate for calcium citrate, further complicating the nutritional landscape. As the FDA refines these definitions, it is essential that they address how misleading claims can lead consumers to believe they are making healthier choices when they may not be.