Dozens of food producers misleading consumers with deceptive packaging, attempting to conceal questionable ingredients on labels, despite government safeguards and restrictions: consumer group

Nevin Barich

WASHINGTON , October 13, 2011 (PRNewswire) – Even as more American families are trying to make healthier diet choices, many duplicitous food makers are contributing to the spread of Food Identity Theft. Despite government safeguards and restrictions, dozens of food producers are misleading consumers with deceptive packaging or attempting to conceal questionable ingredients on labels.

While some of the deceptions are subtle, others are much more serious. Some make claims that are simply untrue, while others are in direct violation of Food & Drug Administration policies. Food Identity Theft issues include:

* High Fructose Corn Syrup trying to change its name to "corn sugar" in order to conceal itself from consumers;
* "Blueberry" muffin mixes, breakfast cereals and pastry products that have absolutely no blueberries in them;
* Spaghetti sauces "Made from California Vine-ripened Tomatoes" that are made using industrial tomato concentrate (tomato paste and water).

"These companies are knowingly trying to pull a con on American families," said Jim Turner, who chairs the non-profit consumer protection group, Citizens for Health. "We have the right to know what's in the products we're buying, and that means clear, accurate, and truthful package labeling."

Citizens for Health has launched a new website, www.FoodIdentityTheft.com, to alert consumers about these deceptive practices. With important information, links to the latest news stories, videos, and regulatory updates, site visitors will be aware of the most flagrant Food Identity Theft culprits.

Numerous consumer action groups, including the National Consumer League, the Consumer Federation of America, and the Center for Food Safety, have all publicly denounced Food Identity Theft deceptions. Many businesses, including Whole Foods Markets, Jason's Deli and Stonyfield Farm, actively support truth in food labeling practices.

"Americans who want to eat healthier need to know that companies like Betty Crocker, Smucker's, Kellogg's, Contadina and General Mills, and trade groups like the Corn Refiners Association, are attempting to mislead them on food package labels," said Linda Bonvie, Senior Editor at FoodIdentityTheft.com.

About Citizens for Health

Funded by concerned consumers, non-profit partners, food growers, and businesses, Citizens for Health is a non-profit organization that provides over 100,000 supporters with consumer news, action alerts, and ways to demand access to healthy food, non-toxic products, and truthful, non-misleading health information. More information is available at www.citizens.org.

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