Thanks to the creativity of the food and supplement industries, there is no shortage of labels and ads that are designed to confuse or fool us. This month’s Nutrition Action features plenty of examples.

But the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Nutrition Action’s publisher, doesn’t just clue you in to deceptive claims. We also prod the government and the courts to stop them.

A few examples:

  • Not so sweet? In January, we urged the Food and Drug Administration to ban claims like “just a tad sweet” and “slightly sweet” on drinks that are high in sugar.
  • Grain games. Images of wheat on the label and claims like “multigrain,” “made with whole grain,” and “wheat” confuse people about the difference between whole and refined grains. CSPI has pressed companies and the FDA to fix misleading grain claims for decades.
  • Supplement scams. Covid-19 has been a heyday—or should I say payday!—for supplement scammers seeking to exploit the public’s fear. Since the start of the pandemic, CSPI has been urging the FDA to crack down on unsubstantiated “antiviral” and anti-Covid claims.

The latest crop: 46 supplements with illegal “antiviral” claims sold on Amazon and 22 products sold online by osteopath Joseph Mercola that he falsely claims can prevent, treat, or cure Covid-19.

  • Evidence, schmevidence. The law requires supplement claims to be backed by the totality of the scientific evidence. (Whether companies follow that law is another matter.) But a recent court decision about memory claims for Costco’s Ginkgo Biloba with Vinpocetine allows supplement manufacturers to make claims so long as they have some scientific support—no matter how suspect or heavily outweighed by contrary evidence. CSPI’s litigation department has joined the legal team appealing that decision.
  • Total baloney. CSPI recently petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit claims like “no nitrates or nitrites added” on “uncured” sausages, bacon, and other processed meats that contain nitrates or nitrites from ingredients like celery powder.
  • Hydroxy moxie. Misinformation about Covid-19 is an epidemic of its own, with unproven cures touted by no less than the president. CSPI has exposed misleading claims about hydroxychloroquine, oleandrin, and injected bleach, among others.

Rest assured that the Center for Science in the Public Interest—“America’s Food and Health Watchdog”—will live up to its name by pushing food and supplement companies and government officials to stick to the science throughout the pandemic...and long after.

Peter G. Lurie, MD, MPH,
President, Center for Science in the Public Interest

 

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