Last Thursday, I had the privilege of interviewing Eva Greenthal, a Senior Science Policy Associate at Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). I had asked her to join me so that we could learn more about the Food Labeling Modernization Act, and the work of CSPI. The Center for Science in the Public Interest is an independent, science-based consumer advocacy organization founded in 1971, and acts as America’s Food and Health Watch warrior. They work hard to protect, improve, educate, and advocate for a better food system and to support healthy eating.  Our current labeling system doesn’t go far enough to limit false advertising on packages, or to regulate on-line grocery shopping. Any health claim on a package would need to be backed up by facts. The new regulation would require full disclosure on % of whole grain if a bread claims to be whole grain, or what “all natural” actually means. Warning labels, such as; High in Sugar” or “High in Fat” might need to be added to the packages, and sesame seeds will be added to the list of allergens.

I also learned about “Toddler Beverages”, surprisingly, a term I had not heard before because no one I knew ever used them. They are beverages that Infant Formula Company’s market to un-suspecting mothers as a way to make sure your toddlers are getting all the nutrients they need. As if “real food” isn’t good enough!  Below is a list of the ingredients: Corn syrup (sugar) is the first ingredient!

Corn Syrup, Milk Protein Concentrate, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Sugar, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Calcium Phosphate. Less than 2% of: Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, 2′-Fucosyllactose, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Chloride, C. Cohnii Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, L-Cystine Dihydrochloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Taurine, Inositol, Mixed Tocopherols, L-Carnitine, d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Niacinamide, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Lutein, Beta-Carotene, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3, Phylloquinone, Sodium Selenate, Biotin, and Vitamin B12.

Certainly NOT a drink I would want to give to any toddler I know! Knowledge is power, so please take the time to read labels, and don’t be fooled by the high power marketing scams that food companies are trying to sell you!

If you missed our interview, you can listen to it here:

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