HBD: FDA Smackdown
April 16 2010
We knew Juicy Juice was suspect. 100% juice, my (kid’s) ass. Finally, the FDA is stepping up to the plate.
The Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, is cracking down and holding food manufacturers responsible for the nutritional claims they make on their packages. In March 2010, she wrote a letter to the food industry outlining the issues with inaccurate labeling on product packages and asked what the FDA is going to do to correct the problem. Needless to say, there are going to be some changes to the exterior of food packages coming to the grocery aisle near you.
Front-of-Pack Labeling
In order to correct the mislabeling problem, the administration will be placing a lot of emphasis on front-of-pack (FOP) labeling. In the short term, the FDA will “issue new draft guidance relating to front-of-pack calorie and nutrient labeling.”In the long term, the administration will work with the food industry to devise innovative approaches to front-of-pack labeling that can encourage consumers to opt for a healthy diet. Sounds like the government is going to get real nice and cozy with our food manufacturers to make sure they are not distracting us with fancy buzzwords and pretty packaging. Interested to see how this works out? So are we.
What the FDA is Currently Doing.
The FDA has already identified a number of food manufacturers who have at least one product that violates the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Those manufacturers have 15 working days to shape up and inform the FDA on what they are doing to correct the problem. The FDA will continue to monitor the situation and take action as it deems necessary.
Read more—and see which companies got their wrists slapped—on Healthy Bitch Daily.
Newsflash: Until the FDA takes serious action, take some of your own: Certified organic, locally-sourced food claims no additives except sunshine. Doesn’t that taste good?
Do you care about what you’re putting into your mouth and on your body? Would you prefer thighs that don’t touch? Are you a sucker for the environment? Get your daily snack for social change, and take a stand for what you believe in, damnit. From the co-author of New York Times Bestseller, Skinny Bitch, Healthy Bitch Daily is your online lifestyle resource that keeps it real, with fun topics on nutrition, health, fitness, beauty, style and staying eco-chic. Find something new to talk about at the dinner table.
