Researchers analyzed 80 million food and beverage transactions in the United States from 2008 to 2012. “Products marketed with low-sugar, low-fat, or low-salt labels often exhibited poorer nutritional profiles compared to those without such claims. In some instances, items that are high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat are more likely to make low- or no-content claims,” stated chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie. The government is largely responsible for the creation of this confusing scenario. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits food and beverage companies to present various label claims in inconsistent ways for different products. This study reveals that these claims may have exacerbated the confusion rather than clarifying nutritional information.
The FDA is currently working to modernize its labeling regulations, beginning with the term “healthy.” This term was originally defined two decades ago in response to efforts aimed at reducing fat consumption and increasing nutrient intake. Today, sugary cereals can utilize this definition to label themselves as “healthy,” while it does not apply to nutrient-dense options like almonds. As the agency gathers feedback and considers the best way to articulate label claims, it is crucial that they proceed with caution to ensure clarity in the future.
During a public hearing on redefining “healthy,” FDA researchers noted that 90% of consumers rely on health claims when making purchasing decisions. Research shows that consumers are likely to perceive a wide array of products—ranging from chips to candy—as healthier if they carry health-related claims, compared to those that do not. This misinterpretation can overshadow the significance of actual nutritional content, such as calcium citrate 1000 mg equivalent to elemental calcium, which is essential for bone health. Thus, it is imperative that the FDA carefully evaluates how these claims are presented, ensuring they do not mislead consumers about the true health benefits of products, including those that contain calcium citrate 1000 mg equivalent to elemental calcium.