You may not be seeing these labels on food products much longer. The Smart Choices labeling program has been voluntarily halted after the FDA said it could be misleading.
The labels are supposed to make it easier for us to spot healthier foods, but the green check mark has been showing up on the front of boxes of sugar-laden cereals like Cocoa Krispies and Froot Loops. Last week, the FDA sent out a letter to food makers, saying it will crack down on those that go against federal labeling rules.
Smart Choices is among several nutrition labeling programs now being used, all with different nutritional criteria.
No wonder there’s so much confusion out there!
I’m quite happy about this actually. I’ve been following a company called NuVal, they score foods on a scale from 1 to 100 based on the facts. They are independent so their scores are unbiased and aren’t controlled by the food manufacturers.
I’ve found the program easy to use, it has changed the way I shop, and it helps me to make healthier food choices.
Joanna – I have never seen NuVal. It will be interesting to see if the FDA comes up with a standardized system for all foods to use.