Companies Targeted by F.D.A. for Health Claims on Labels
As seen in the March 4th issue of The New York Times, the F.D.A. disseminated 17 warning letters to food manufacturers, acting on their vow to curtail misleading labels on food packages. A wide array of companies was targeted from Gerber baby food, Juicy Juice, Dreyer’s ice cream, POM pomegranate juice and Gorton’s fish fillets.
Two main infractions consisted of either increasing the nutritional claims on products or hiding unhealthy contents like fat. Certain products stated that no trans fat was contained within while a large amount of saturated fat could be found.
While the maximum daily intact for fat is 20 grams, Dreyer’s Dibs ice cream contains 17 grams in one serving.
Though scientific research may support claims that pomegranate is beneficial for certain ailments, POM pomegranate juice was cited for claiming that the juice could prevent or cure hypertension, diabetes and cancer. These claims are not permissible on food products.
Margaret A. Hamburg, the F.D.A. commissioner is making it a priority to improve information on food labels for consumers, promising cooperation with food manufacturers joining in the label improvement process.
