Agriculture Department Investigating Food Labeling to Better Protect Consumers

An advisory committee made up of dietitians, consumer advocates and food industry representatives came together on Oct. 5 to discuss the potentially misleading labels that consumers read to make decisions.

26/10/07 At the request of consumer advocates and industry representatives, the Department of Agriculture is investigating food labeling practices to better help consumers make informed purchasing and eating decisions, Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said.

An advisory committee made up of dietitians, consumer advocates and food industry representatives came together on Oct. 5 to discuss the potentially misleading labels that consumers read to make decisions. The committee urged Secretary Wolff to explore the department's authority in labeling oversight.

"Consumers are making decisions based on a product's packaging and advertisements," said Wolff. "With no oversight, labels can be designed to mislead consumers into thinking certain products are safer than others, or more nutritious, with no actual benefit. In order for consumers to make educated decisions, the labeling of food products needs to be accurate and accountable.

"There are a wide variety of terms and labels used to attract buyers and, in some cases, are leading to confusion. It's a subject I've received a lot of concerns, questions and comments about from consumers."

Wolff said there is surprisingly little oversight of labels across the nation. He said the state Department of Agriculture has some regulatory authority over labels that are deemed misleading, and that the department would explore ways to combat confusing or dishonest practices.

"Outside of the nutrition information panel on food packaging, there is very little federal or state regulation of the claims made on packages," said Wolff. "We'll be looking into ways we can help educate consumers about the products on Pennsylvania's shelves, and try to remove any claims that are truly misleading."