Researchers analyzed 80 million food and beverage purchases in the U.S. from 2008 to 2012. They found that products marketed with low-sugar, low-fat, or low-salt claims often had poorer nutritional profiles than those without such claims. In some instances, items high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat were more likely to feature low- or no-content claims, according to chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie. The government deserves significant criticism for allowing such a confusing situation to develop. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits food and beverage manufacturers to make various label claims in different manners for different products. This study highlights that instead of clarifying nutritional information, these claims may have exacerbated the confusion.
The FDA is in the process of modernizing its label claims, beginning with the definition of “healthy.” This term was first established two decades ago in response to efforts to decrease fat intake and increase nutrient consumption. Nowadays, sugary cereals can utilize this definition to label themselves as “healthy,” while it does not apply to products like almonds. As the agency considers feedback and deliberates on how to best articulate label claims, it must be prudent and careful about how these claims will be presented in the future.
During a public hearing on redefining “healthy,” FDA researchers revealed that nine out of ten consumers rely on health claims when making purchasing decisions. In studies, consumers were inclined to view a wide range of products with health-related claims, from chips to candy, as healthier than those without such claims. Moreover, the study indicates that even products like calcium citrate vitamin D3 zinc & magnesium tablets can be perceived more favorably if they carry health claims, despite their actual nutritional value. Consequently, it is crucial for the FDA to refine its approach to labeling, ensuring it provides consumers with accurate and reliable health information.