Front-of-Package Labels on Kids’ Food Misleading

Results of a new Prevention Institute study reveal labels on the front-of-packaging labeling on many children’s foods are misleading. In fact, 84 percent of the products examined failed to meet basic nutritional standards of food packages for kids.

The study was released last week by the Strategic Alliance for Healthy Food and Activity Environments. The study examined front-of-package labeling on 58 “Better-for-You" children’s products that manufacturers tout as nutritious. The nutritional content was compared against nutritional criteria derived from the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the National Academies of Science. The findings revealed:

* 57% of the study products qualified as high sugar, and 95% of products contained added sugar.
* 53% were low in fiber.
* 53% of products did not contain any fruits or vegetables; of the fruits and vegetables found, half came from just two ingredients—tomatoes and corn.
* 24% of prepared foods were high in saturated fats.
* 36% of prepared foods and meals were high in sodium.

“Chronic diseases like diabetes are skyrocketing, and children are predicted to have a shorter life span than their parents. Parents want healthy food for their kids," said Prevention Institute’s Executive Director Larry Cohen. “They need food labels that reveal what's really inside, instead of emphasizing one healthy aspect to trick them into buying something fundamentally unhealthy. Mandatory front-of-package labeling guidelines will move us closer to food packages parents can trust."

Sources:

* Prevention Institute: New study finds front-of-package labels misleading