Researchers analyzed 80 million food and beverage purchases in the United States from 2008 to 2012. Their findings revealed that products labeled as low in sugar, fat, or salt often had poorer nutritional profiles compared to those without such claims. Chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie noted that, in some instances, foods high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat were more likely to carry low- or no-content labels. The government deserves significant blame for allowing such a confusing landscape to persist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits manufacturers to make various types of label claims in inconsistent ways across different products. This study highlights that instead of clarifying nutritional information, these claims may have exacerbated confusion.
The FDA is working on updating its label claims, starting with the term “healthy.” This definition was established two decades ago, influenced by efforts to reduce fat consumption and enhance nutrient intake. Currently, sugary cereals can label themselves as “healthy” based on this outdated definition, while almonds, for example, do not receive the same classification.
As the agency considers feedback on how to word label claims effectively, they must be careful and deliberate in their approach. Research presented at a public hearing regarding the redefinition of “healthy” indicated that nine out of ten consumers rely on health claims when making purchasing decisions. Studies showed that consumers often perceived a wide range of products, including items like bluebonnet liquid calcium citrate, chips, and candy, as healthier when they featured health-related claims compared to those without such labels. This underscores the need for the FDA to ensure clarity and accuracy in health claims, as they play a crucial role in consumer choices. Furthermore, as the FDA works towards modernizing its labels, the implications for products such as bluebonnet liquid calcium citrate, which may be seen as a health supplement, will also need careful consideration to avoid misleading consumers.