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Did you know which foods have health labels that are actually empty words?
In today's fast-paced society, dietary health and nutrition have become issues of concern to everyone. When many consumers buy food, they are often attracted by the health labels printed on the packaging. These labels often emphasize words such as "healthy", "low-fat" and "no added sugar" of the food. However, the true meaning of these labels may not be as beautiful as we think. In this article, we’ll delve into the truth behind these labels to help consumers make more informed choices.
According to the definition of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an "authorized health claim" is a statement that is allowed to be displayed on a food product or dietary supplement after review by the FDA, which indicates that a certain food or food ingredient may reduce the risk of a certain disease. or risk of health-related conditions.
The current status of health labels
Behind food labels that actively appeal to health, there are often some unknown facts hidden. In the United States, health claims are regulated by the FDA, while advertising is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission. According to FDA guidance, only health claims that pass review and meet certain standards can be labeled on products, but many claims are still quite vague.
What is an authorized health claim?
Authorized health claims refer to those claims that have been confirmed under FDA review. These claims must have sufficient scientific evidence to support their health effects. In contrast, qualified health claims are those that, while having some degree of scientific support, do not meet the criteria to be an authorized health claim. Qualified health claims must be accompanied by a cautionary note designed to accurately communicate the extent of scientific evidence supporting the claim.
Consumers are often attracted by vague labels such as “natural” or “no added sugar,” but these labels may not necessarily provide the true health benefits of a food.
The dangers of vague health labels
Some common vague health labels such as "healthy", "organic", "low-fat", etc. do not necessarily reflect the true nutritional value of the product. Consumers often make wrong judgments because of these labels. Some studies even point out that many labels lead to health beliefs that are not supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, consumers should be more cautious when choosing foods, as not all labels are trustworthy.
How can consumers protect themselves?
Consumers should be skeptical when faced with these labels. Try the following methods to make a smarter choice:
- Check the ingredient list: The ingredient list can often provide more practical nutritional information.
- Look for reliable third-party certification: Some products may have certification marks from independent organizations, which can increase their reliability.
- Evaluate health claims carefully: Even if there are label claims, they still need to be weighed against your own health needs.
The future of health claims
As consumers pay more attention to healthy eating, the supervision of food labels is also gradually strengthened. However, there is still a lack of awareness among many ordinary consumers about these health claims. Educating consumers and improving transparency are the directions that the food industry needs to work together in the future.
Experts call on every consumer to improve their own health awareness and view health labels on food rationally to avoid misunderstandings and wrong consumption.
Conclusion
Whether you are buying daily food or specialized health products, you should be more careful when choosing. Consumers need to be aware that the information provided by labels does not necessarily reflect true product characteristics. Faced with all kinds of health labels, how do you make a wise choice?
