on Oct 5th, 2009Why I think the “Smart Choices” Program is Absolutely Foolish
I was strolling along in the grocery store recently when I happened to notice a cereal box, the type notorious for its high sugar content and lack of wholesome content, with a green “Smart Choices” logo on it. As you may or may not know, any nutritional claims made on product packaging have to meet FDA guidelines, so I came home and did a little research. Surely, the FDA is not going to let THIS fly, I thought.
I did quite a bit of sifting, and I won’t go into all the nitty gritty details, but the bottom line is that the FDA is not behind this since it’s classified as “Front of Package” Labelingvs. a nutrient content claim. While they have strict standards for food manufacturers to comply with when they make nutrient content claims, Front of Package Labeling is relatively new and therefore, unchartered territory. In fact, they wrote a letter to the Smart Choices Program essentially letting them know we’re watching you and we’re not afraid to take the next step if this program misleads consumers.
In my opinion, it’s already misleading. Here are a couple “smart choices” so see if you agree:
Not only are they touting this product for the fiber, but now it's a "smart choice"
Brace yourselves, fried ravioli are now a "smart choice" for our kids!
This is yet another example of why you should be a food label investigator. If there are any claims on the front, my best advice to you is to ignore them and flip around to the back to see the ingredients list and nutrition label. It is clear that the incentive behind this program is to not to help you make “smart choices,” but yet another ploy by the food manufacturers to get you to spend your precious dollars on less-than-acceptable food. You can do something… don’t buy! Every time you choose NOT to buy these foods, you’re sending a message to the manufacturers that you will accept nothing less than the best for your body.
In my opinion, this is yet another thinly veiled marketing program. You know better than to let the food manufacturers tell you what constitutes a smart choice, so leave these items on the shelf where they belong!