Food/Nutrition Bloopers from Restaurants,
Food Companies, Web sites and News Media
The following are actual quotes or observations (the latest entries are at the top). Click for our comments. Some of these errors/misinformation have been subsequently corrected by their source and some have not.
Herbs a Good Source of Iron and Calcium?
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- Created on 01, March, 2010
A health blog by a major newspaper (copied from a “healthy foods” web site) states that thyme is a good source of iron and calcium.
Listing of Sulfites in Ingredients
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- Created on 01, February, 2010
A Web article on little-known facts about nutrition labels states that sulfites don’t need to be declared in a product’s ingredients.
Light and Healthy Mac and Cheese?
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- Created on 01, January, 2010
A nutrition consultant/chef’s recipe for macaroni & cheese is described as “light and healthy” in a news article.
Dried Cherry Data Inaccuracies
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- Created on 01, December, 2009
The Nutrition Facts for a sweetened, dried cherry product shows 0 mg potassium and 10 g fiber.
CA Menu Labeling Law Effective Date
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- Created on 01, November, 2009
In a newspaper opinion piece, a former judge in California states that California’s menu labeling law goes into effect in 2011.
Exemptions from Nutrition Labeling
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- Created on 01, October, 2009
A blog states that all food and beverage products, including bottled water, must have a nutrition label.
Serving Size is Regulated
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- Created on 01, September, 2009
A food and health blog states that food companies alter serving sizes to control the information on Nutrition Facts labels.
Fewer Carbs in Flatbread?
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- Created on 01, August, 2009
In an online news article a dieting chef recommends making sandwiches on flatbread rather than regular bread to reduce carbohydrates.
"Low in Sugar"
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- Created on 01, July, 2009
A nut and grain bar with 11 g sugar is promoted as “low in sugar.”
Nutrients in White Corn?
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- Created on 01, June, 2009
A sign posted over fresh produce at a major natural foods chain states that white corn is a good source of vitamin C and is very low in cholesterol.
Bungled Restaurant Burger Nutrition Online
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- Created on 01, May, 2009
An online listing of nutrition info for restaurants shows a steakhouse burger as having 392 calories per 1/2 serving, 405 calories from fat, 0 grams saturated fat and 0 grams protein.
Cost of Restaurant Nutrition Analysis
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- Created on 01, April, 2009
A newspaper article and editorial cite the cost for nutrition analysis per restaurant menu item at up to $5,000, based on restaurant group estimates.
Low-Calorie Oatmeal?
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- Created on 01, March, 2009
A restaurant press release mentions “low-calorie oatmeal” when discussing menu nutrition.