Dear Action Line: What are the guidelines on food labeling as far as how far they can go in claiming "heart healthy" effects? - C.P., Tulsa.
The September 2013 issue of ShopSmart magazine reports on a staff study of seven popular food label claims and distills them into "the truth behind healthy food labels."
The package says "heart healthy," "reduces cholesterol" and "maintains digestive health," but does it? Promises of better health, weight loss and more are enticing, but misleading claims can lead consumers down the wrong path.
Heart healthy: No one food will cut one's risk of heart disease, but foods can claim a reduced heart-disease risk legally if they are low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. To display the American Heart Association's heart-check mark on packaging, a product must be low in fats, have no more than 480 mg of sodium or 20 mg of cholesterol, and have 10 percent or more of the recommended daily value of one of six specified nutrients.
Supports immunity and digestive health: Eating probiotics because they are healthy is fine, but it doesn't mean they fix or prevent specific health problems. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved food packaging claims that probiotics can do anything to improve digestion, immunity or general health.
Blocks or lowers cholesterol: Research shows plant sterols - natural substances found in nuts and legumes, for example - may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and the FDA says they may help reduce the risk of heart disease. But plant sterols seem to be more effective when eaten at least twice a day. Consume enough sterols, and you might also be loading up on calories or sugars. Soluble fiber is a good way to keep cholesterol levels in check.
Antioxidants: Most people associate antioxidants with building a stronger immune system, which is what manufacturers are banking on. The FDA allows foods to make antioxidant nutrient claims if they contain proven antioxidants for which there is a Reference Daily Intake (RDI) such as vitamins C and E. Whether it boosts a person's immune response or not depends on what he or she is already consuming. There's not enough in a single food product to make much of a difference.
Controls weight: Foods promoted as "diet" choices tend to be higher in protein and fiber, which when consumed might reduce feelings of hunger. But feeling full doesn't guarantee weight loss.
The Food and Drug Administration regulates these common label claims:
Calorie free: Fewer than 5 calories per serving.
Fat free/sugar free: Less than 0.5 grams of fat or sugars per serving.
Low calorie: 40 calories or fewer per serving.
Low cholesterol: 20 mg or less and 2 grams or less of saturated fat per serving.
Low sodium: 140 mg of sodium or less per serving.
Reduced: At least 25 percent less than the usual product.
See the complete list of popular food health claims and check out the September 2013 issue of ShopSmart, on newsstands now. And for more trustworthy food label information, visit
tulsaworld.com/greenerchoices.
Submit Action Line questions by calling 918-699-8888, emailing
phil.mulkins@TulsaWorld.com or by mailing them to Tulsa World Action Line, PO Box 1770, Tulsa OK 74102-1770.
Original Print Headline: Health-food claims questioned
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Edmunds.com last week released its annual list of Best Used Cars for 2013, a list of 17 cars across every segment based on "the most important criteria: reliability, safety, value and availability."
Dear Action Line: I received a mailing from the IRS and wonder if this is typical. I thought all such notices came by email. Should I call the Tulsa IRS on this? - B.N., Tulsa
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