Whole Grain
The United States Food and Drug Adminstration issued guidelines—not regulations—about the use of the term “whole grain” on labels. The FDA “considers ‘whole grain’ to include cereal grains that consist of the intact, ground, cracked or flaked fruit of the grains whose principal components — the starchy endosperm, germ and bran — are present in the same relative proportions as they exist in the intact grain.” A reasonable definition, I’d say.
The new guidelines frown on labels with relative descriptions instead of specific measurements. “15g of whole grain” is fine, “high amounts of whole grain” less so. On the other hand, the FDA doesn’t have any plans to enforce this, which makes one wonder why they issued the guidelines in the first place.
According to this synopsis at the Chicago Sun-Times, the agency will evaluate each product on an individual basis. I’m sure the busy government folks working within our corporation-happy administration will be all over spurious claims on cereal boxes. Remember: The friendly bee on your Honey Nut Cheerio’s might not be telling you the truth.
