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.
Worst Healthy Foods?
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- Created on 01, November, 2008
A list of “worst ‘healthy’ foods” includes yogurt with fruit on the bottom.
Calories in Pears, Fruit
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- Created on 01, October, 2008
A list of top foods in a major financial newspaper describes pears as “low in calories.”
Apple Pie High in Vitamin C?
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- Created on 01, September, 2008
A baked apple pie sold at health food stores shows 160% DV for vitamin C on the nutrition panel for one slice.
"Cholesterol-Free" and "Trans-Fat-Free" Oils
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- Created on 01, August, 2008
A newspaper article about a ban on trans fat in restaurants tells of a restaurateur planning to switch to a soybean oil that he was told will be “cholesterol free” and “trans fat free.”
"Belly Flattening" Foods
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- Created on 01, July, 2008
A health magazine article by a dietitian/MPH and reprinted on a major online news site states that certain foods are “belly flattening.”
Incorrect Nutrient Claims for Grain
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- Created on 01, May, 2008
The package of a grain product claims the product is high in fiber, two amino acids, vitamin E, etc.
Replacements for Trans Fats
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- Created on 01, April, 2008
A newspaper article states that some replacements for trans fats, such as peanut oil, contain lots of saturated fats, and might be just as bad for health. The article also quotes a nurse practitioner saying that good alternatives include soybean, corn, safflower and sunflower oils, in addition to canola and olive oil.
"Healthy" Canned Soup Not "Low-Sodium"
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- Created on 01, March, 2008
An online article in a major financial newspaper describes a reformulated, "healthy" canned soup product as “low-sodium.”
Omega 3 from Flaxseed vs. Fish
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- Created on 01, January, 2008
A news article states that flaxseed is a better source of omega-3 fats than fish.
Acai Fruit Drink Misinformation
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- Created on 01, December, 2007
An “energy” supplement drink containing acai and other fruit purees claims “high levels of omega fatty-acids, iron” and protein.
Is Butter Low-Fat in a Smaller Serving Size?
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- Created on 01, November, 2007
A health & fitness blog states that butter legally could be called “low fat” just by specifying a very small serving size, because FDA rules do not define serving sizes.
Use of Term "Low Glycemic"
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- Created on 01, October, 2007
The Web site for an agave sweetener states that it is an FDA violation to claim a product is “low glycemic” when it isn’t.
Protein in Broccoli
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- Created on 01, September, 2007
A health/cooking magazine describes broccoli as a "very good source of protein."