Front of Package Food Labels Do Not Mean a Food Is Healthy

Newswise — CHICAGO— American grocery shoppers face an array of front of pack (FOP) nutrition and health claims when making food selections. But relying on the front of pack (FOP) claims to determine the nutrition quality of the food may not be a consumer’s best option. In the January issue of the Journal of Food Science study, published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), researchers from The Ohio State University and Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia examined and analyzed front of pack nutrition claims on more than 2,200 breakfast cereal and prepared meals released for sale between 2006 and 2010. What they found was that no type or number of front of pack claims could distinguish “healthy” foods.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specifically defined four types of FOP nutrition marketing claims including: health claims, qualified health claims, structure/function claims and nutrient claims (FDA, 2009). Claims such as “may reduce the risk of heart disease,” “low-fat,” and “cholesterol-free” compete for attention among other front, side, or back of pack messages and symbols (Wanskink, 2004). In addition claims like organic, natural, or local may be perceived as indicators of nutrient content. But these claims don’t necessarily suggest higher nutritional quality meaning consumers should still look at the Nutrition Facts panel to make more informed product choices.

Read the article in the Journal of Food Science here

About IFTFounded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is committed to advancing the science of food. Our non-profit scientific society—more than 17,000 members from more than 95 countries—brings together food scientists, technologists and related professionals from academia, government and industry. For more information, please visit ift.org.