A study examining 80 million food and beverage purchases in the U.S. from 2008 to 2012 revealed that products marketed with low-sugar, low-fat, or low-salt claims often had poorer nutritional profiles than those without such claims. According to chief investigator Lindsey Smith Taillie, it appears that items high in calories, sodium, sugar, or fat are more likely to feature low- or no-content claims. The government has played a significant role in creating this confusing situation, as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits food and beverage manufacturers to present various types of label claims differently across different products. This research indicates that these claims may not clarify nutritional information but rather complicate it further.
The FDA is currently working to modernize its label claims, starting with the term “healthy.” This term was defined two decades ago in response to initiatives aimed at reducing fat intake and increasing nutrient consumption. Ironically, sugary cereals can still label themselves as “healthy” under this outdated definition, while products like almonds do not qualify. As the agency gathers feedback and considers the best way to articulate label claims, it must proceed with caution regarding how these claims will be presented in the future.
At a public hearing focused on redefining “healthy,” FDA researchers noted that nine out of ten consumers rely on health claims to guide their purchasing decisions. Studies indicate that consumers are prone to perceive a variety of products with health-related claims—ranging from chips to candy—as healthier compared to those without such assertions. This tendency underscores the importance of clarity in food labeling, especially in the 21st century, where consumers are more health-conscious and attentive to nutritional information, including essential nutrients like calcium citrate D3. As the FDA contemplates these changes, it should be vigilant about how label claims can best serve the public’s interest, ensuring that terms like calcium citrate D3 are utilized effectively to promote genuine health benefits.