A recent study by Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy discovered a widespread trend in the food industry of significantly underreporting the amount of calories on nutrition labels. Specifically, the actual calorie count surpassed the stated count by an average of 18 percent, with some counts surpassing up to 200 percent on restaurant dishes and fast food.
The results of this study present a major problem for consumers. Even if cases of 200 percent inaccuracy are rare, an average 18 percent misrepresentation on each food package or meal becomes extremely detrimental given that most Americans have several food packages or meals a day. Such misrepresentation, however, is permissible under current FDA regulations; the FDA allows a 20 percent margin of error on packaged foods' nutrition labels, and it does not regulate restaurants' labels at all (though several cities do have laws for restaurant labels). Moreover, even companies that exceed the 20 percent limit do not face significant consequences. The current FDA system is clearly ineffective at both discovering inaccurate calorie counts and deterring them. When questioned an FDA spokesperson conceded that the agency had only issued 17 warning letters to violators recently and did not disclose the number of court cases that have been initiated, in comparison to the hundreds of foods that the Tufts study found to violate government policies.
Fortunately, the problems uncovered by the nutrition study have not gone unnoticed. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D−N.Y.) specifically cited the study as having prompted a letter of complaints and recommendations regarding the nutrition label policy that he sent to the FDA two weeks ago. His suggestions include reducing that 20 percent limit to a smaller amount, printing the margin of error on the nutrition label along with the calorie count, and strengthening inspection and enforcement mechanisms. All of these are excellent ideas that should be promptly adopted — any misinformation about the healthiness of the food they eat is extremely harmful to consumers. Especially considering the obesity problems that the country's population faces today, it is necessary that action be taken to end this problem.
The researchers at the Friedman School who conducted the study fully deserve the praise and attention they have been receiving as a result of their findings. They have helped Tufts University maintain its international reputation as a powerful and pioneering force among research institutions, continued its tradition of prominence in the field of nutrition science and have even raised its profile among politicians and policymakers. Most importantly, their research has benefited all Americans who are remotely concerned with the food they eat.
Hopefully, Hinchey's suggestions will be heeded by the FDA, and Americans can look forward to a healthier future and increased awareness.
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