Whole Grains on Labels
Well, we got the word that whole grains are good. Now, come to find out, there is no standard definition of “whole grains,” so a claim on a food product may mean there’s a teeny-weeny bit of whole grains OR it could mean it’s 100% whole grain. And the manufacturer gets to decide how to label it! It seems to me like a standardized definition is a no-brainer!! Surely, the FDA proposal discussed in a recent Baltimore Sun article, excerpted below, will be implemented. Though according to the full article, there are some who claim it’s not a good thing!
FDA seeks stricter standards for ‘whole grains’ claims
The Food and Drug Administration proposed yesterday a definition for “whole grains” and labeling that would detail the quantity of the ingredient in breads, cereals and other foods to help consumers figure out what they’re eating.
When the federal government encouraged Americans to eat whole grains last year, it didn’t tell them what a whole grain was or give them help determining whether they were eating the recommended 3-ounce daily allowance.
That left it to manufacturers of breads, cereals and other foods to decide whether their ingredients were whole grains and to label their products with claims saying they were “excellent” or “good” sources.
The FDA’s proposal, which is subject to 60 days of public comment, would not order manufacturers to revise their practices but would strongly advise them to do so. Failure to comply could prompt the FDA to issue warnings or take other actions, the agency said.
The proposal would make sure that manufacturers are using unprocessed grains if they want to claim that their ingredients are whole grains, the agency said. That definition mirrors the prevailing industry standard, industry groups said.
The recommendations would also encourage manufacturers to specify the number of ounces or grams of whole grains in a product, rather than saying that the product is a good or excellent source, said Barbara Scheenman, director of the FDA’s office of nutritional products, labeling and dietary supplements.
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