Food Labels and Health Claims Often Confuse Shoppers, Part II?

Answer 1

According to a recent article in the Vancouver Sun, the food industry has introduced more than 20,000 “healthier product” choices since 2002. However, the claims on many labels often do more to confuse the average grocery shopper rather than actually helping consumers to make better food choices.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration is charged with monitoring the truthfulness of claims found on food product labels under the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). The act states that nutrient content claims and certain health messages must comply with specific requirements set forth by the agency.

Part I of this series explained nutrient content claims. Part II will help readers identify those health claims that are approved by the FDA. Note that no food can claim to actually prevent disease – they can only state that certain nutrients when consumed in adequate amounts in the diet can reduce the risk of the disease occurring.

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans so many of the approved health claims focus on foods that are “heart healthy”. High-fat foods, for example, have been associated with an increased risk of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) that can lead to blocked arteries and heart attack. While a label cannot state that a low-fat food is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, a food considered low in saturated fat (see Part I) can state a connection between saturated fat, cholesterol levels, and heart disease.

Fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich foods can also claim to be a factor in the reduced risk of heart disease. Soluble fiber from whole oats and psyllium seed husk, in particular, can lower cholesterol levels. Some approved foods that can carry a health claim linking soluble fiber intake with a reduced risk of heart disease include oatmeal, breads, and cereals.

Soy protein is another food ingredient linked to the reduced risk of heart disease, when it is consumed in place of animal protein. Common soy products include tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, and soy flour.

Hypertension is a condition that can lead to heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. High sodium diets are linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure. Limiting sodium intake may help prevent high blood pressure, so foods that are low in sodium may carry a health claim correlating the foods sodium content and a reduced risk of hypertension.

Cancer is the second leading killer of Americans, so many of the remaining claims are linked to reducing the risk of the disease. Dietary fat intake, for example, is linked to many cancers including breast and pancreatic cancer. The vitamins, minerals and fiber in fruits and vegetables are also linked a reduction in many cancers.

Three other conditions connected to diet are not as common, but have been found to be reduced when certain nutrients are consumed. Sugar has been positively associated with cavities, so foods without sugar or that use approved sugar alcohols can claim that they do not promote tooth decay.

Adequate calcium intake is associated with bone health and the reduced risk of osteoporosis, so foods containing calcium can state that a calcium-rich diet may help prevent osteoporosis. Foods high in folate are often encouraged during pregnancy, as this nutrient has been associated with a reduction in neural tube birth defects such as spina bifida.

If you see a food that claims to cure or prevent a disease, particularly when they reference a nutrient not found in this article, question its truthfulness. While studies on diet and disease prevention find new associations every day, food manufactures cannot use these claims without FDA approval.

For a complete list of qualified health claims, visit www.fda.gov.

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