FDA says 'smart choice' cereals may not be smart choices

The "Smart Choice" stickers found on cereals, crackers and other processed foods do not necessarily reflect accurate nutritional value of the foods sporting the labels.

The FDA sent a letter to companies to let them know it would become stricter about inaccurate food labeling. The letter, however, did not name specific companies or give a timeline for the enforcement.

The stickers are a part of the Smart Choices program that was released last year by some U.S. manufacturers such as Kraft Foods, Kellogg and General Mills. The program was launched to address growing concern about U.S. obesity rates. The labels are put on foods that meet certain requirements for fat content and calories per serving.

However, consumer advocates are concerned about the lenient standards for using the labels, noting that they appear on foods that many consider unhealthy, such as sugary cereals.

In an effort to correct this problem, the FDA is working on creating nutritional standards that would have to be met before manufacturers use "Smart Choice" stickers or make similar claims of their foods.

The agency would also like to work with the industry to develop standardized labeling that all Americans can identify and trust. In the U.K., for example, a "traffic light" system is used, with red, yellow, and green highlighting the nutritional value of different foods. Currently, there are many different systems based on the manufacturers or stores in which the foods are sold.

The Grocery Manufacturers Association members are working with the FDA to provide useful nutritional information to consumers. Many U.S. manufacturers have already reformulated products to make them healthier, and it could be that the FDA's involvement will help push more manufacturers to make healthy changes to their foods.

Written by Nicole Palmby