The FDA has proposed new guidelines for the term "healthy" on food labels, which would restrict the use of the term on foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This has led to a backlash from major cereal producers like General Mills and Kellogg's, who claim that the guidelines infringe on their First Amendment right to free speech. However, critics argue that the companies are simply trying to mislead consumers by labeling unhealthy foods as "healthy." The proposed guidelines would limit cereals to no more than 2.5 grams of sugar per serving in order to be labeled as "healthy," which would exclude over 95% of ready-to-eat cereals. The companies are threatening to file a lawsuit against the FDA, claiming that the guidelines are an unconstitutional overreach of government power.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The FDA is proposing new guidelines on the term "healthy" when it relates to food products like cereals.
2. The guidelines would require foods labeled as "healthy" to contain a major food group, such as dairy, fruits, or whole grains, and fit certain limits on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
3. Cereals would be limited to no more than 2.5 grams of sugar per serving to be labeled as "healthy".
4. Food manufacturers, including General Mills and Kellogg's, are opposing the new guidelines, claiming they would exclude over 95% of ready-to-eat cereals from being labeled as "healthy".
5. The companies are arguing that the guidelines would violate their First Amendment right to free speech.
6. The FDA is proposing the guidelines to help combat the obesity epidemic in America.
7. High sugar cereals are largely marketed to children and have been criticized as a driver of the obesity epidemic.
8. General Mills, Kellogg's, and Post-Consumer Brands have filed a joint statement opposing the proposed guidelines.
9. The companies claim that the guidelines would be an unconstitutional overreach of government power and would limit their commercial speech rights.
10. The Washington Legal Foundation, a lobby group, is supporting the companies in their opposition to the guidelines.
11. The foundation has ties to the high fructose corn syrup industry and has been involved in challenging government rules on behalf of corporations.
12. Research has shown that diets high in processed foods and sugar intake are linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
13. The companies are citing a 2019 study conducted by in-house researchers at General Mills to support their claim that cereal is a nutritious breakfast option.
14. The study found that cereal eaters exhibited an overall higher diet quality when consuming cereal as part of a breakfast.
15. The FDA's proposed guidelines are intended to help consumers make informed decisions about the healthiness of food products.