Consumers have a right to know what’s in their foods and beverages. That’s why the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Nutrition Action’s publisher, has long fought for labels that tell the whole story.
Sugary drinks are the leading source of added sugars in the U.S. diet and the majority of U.S. children exceed the recommended daily limit for added sugars. Many restaurant chains have dropped sugary drink offerings to children from sit-down menus in an effort to improve the healthfulness of their kids’ meals. With the recent increase in online ordering, it is important that this commitment to promote healthier options is reflected on online ordering menus.
Adding sesame to food products is a quick-and-dirty means to address cross-contact risks and prevent potential recalls for undeclared sesame, because these protective steps aren’t required when an allergen is already declared as an ingredient. So, companies may imagine, it’s better to add a new allergen and declare it than to actually clean up production lines to reduce it.
Industry AccountabilitySarah Sorscher, JD, MPH, Peter Lurie, MD, MPH
In 2020, Americans spent about $55 billion on dietary supplements. That’s no surprise, given that roughly half of all adults take a supplement. What may be a surprise: Many of those people are wasting their money, and some may even be risking their health. Here’s how the industry keeps you buying more.
This toolkit is intended to support advocates who want to lead campaigns calling for state and local nutrient warnings on restaurant menus. We outline how nutrient warnings can be used to reduce the purchases of unhealthy foods and drinks, encourage reformulation, and build stronger, healthier, more resilient communities that are better prepared to withstand future public health challenges.
CSPI and numerous other public health organizations and professionals urge the FTC to study 1. marketing expenditures by food and beverage companies to children and adolescents and 2. slotting fees, trade spend and other trade promotion practices in the retail grocery industry.
