When you receive a check mark on your research paper, you feel great. But buying a cereal box with a check mark might not be such a great idea.
Recently, the use of nutritional labeling programs has come under the scrutiny of the state of Connecticut and the nation at large. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it begin will review the front labels of food packages bearing symbols or language that suggest the product is healthier than actually merited by its ingredients.
The Smart Choices Program, appearing on college-favorite products like Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Froot Loops, announced Friday that it would “not encourage the wider use of the logo at this time by either new or currently enrolled companies,” according to a press release on its Web site.
The Smart Choices campaign, which began this past summer, appears on hundreds of products from many of the nation’s largest food manufacturers. The program, developed by nine major food manufacturers including Kraft Foods, Kellogg, and General Mills, uses its own nutritional criteria to evaluate products. Those that meet its standards can show the program’s green check mark logo on the front of their packages, intended as a signal to consumers that the product is nutritional.
The symbol in the corner shows the green check mark icon, and a calories indicator on the front of the package that displays the number of calories per serving and the number of servings per package.
The FDA didn’t single out Smart Choices, but Connecticut officials agree that through this popular campaign, many consumers fail to know what are the exact requirements for these “check marks”.
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has asked for information about the development of the labeling program, which the group said it will provide, according to the press release. Blumenthal has come forth as one of many who believe the criteria for this program is too broad and lets in too many foods that are lacking nutritionally.
In response to Smart Choices announcement on Friday, Blumenthal said “Quite bluntly, without a commitment by the companies to stop using the logo, there is absolutely no benefit to consumers,” according to a New York Times article.
Although they have said they are not planning to expand the program until further notice, the “Smart Choices” nutrition label from several major food makers will probably remain on products for some time. The FDA and the Department of Agriculture have said they will continue to monitor the program’s effect on consumers.
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