FDA Cracking Down on Misleading Food Labels

Like any product, manufacturers of food products have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure their products are properly labeled. This includes ensuring the nutrition facts on the packaging are as close to accurate as possible, and that the packaging is free of misleading statements that might entice a consumer to purchase the food.

When a food manufacturer includes false or misleading nutritional information on the packaging, it can lead to serious health problems or complications for the consumer, especially for someone who must follow strict dietary guidelines.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now doing their part to ensure all food companies are in compliance with federal regulations in regards to food labeling and nutrition facts. The FDA, spear-headed by commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, has started cracking down on companies that include misleading labels on their food packaging.

Earlier this month the FDA sent out 17 warning letters to food manufacturers believed to be masking unhealthy fats and/or pumping up the nutritional claims on their products. Letters were sent for a variety of products, including Gerber baby food, Juicy Juice, POM pomegranate juice, Dreyer's ice cream, and Gorton's fish fillets.

Using Dreyer's as an example, a letter was sent because they claim their Dips Ice Cream Bites have zero trans fats, but the sweet treat has 17 grams of saturated fat, which makes the food unhealthy. The FDA recommends no more than 20 grams of saturated fat in one day.

If you feel your health was compromised due to misleading food labels, you may have grounds to pursue a product liability lawsuit. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to provide you with more information about your legal options, and can help you pursue a lawsuit if you have suffered some type of injury or health complication that stemmed from mislabeling on a food item's packaging. Click here to begin searching for a personal injury attorney in your area today!