Keeping a promise made last year when food packagers were warned to voluntarily police their label claims-or else-the FDA fired off warning letters to 17 companies, including many familiar names. Some were singled out for boasting that products contain zero trans fat, without the required disclaimer that the foods are, however, high in saturated fat; these included several Dreyers icecream treats, Mrs. Smiths Coconut Custard Pie and Gortons Fish Fillets. Such claims can be misleading, FDA chief Margaret Hamburg, MD, explained, because they imply that the product is a better choice than products without the claim.Nestl was warned about claims that its Juicy Juice drink is 100% fruit juice (its actually a blend of juices with added flavors). Other products were warned about claims for antioxidant or other nutrient content that verged on pharmaceutical claims, including Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice, Salada green tea, Pompeian olive oil and Diamond Walnuts. (Look for coverage of FDA labeling issues in future issues of the Healthletter.)
