Don't Be Fooled By New Snack Food Deceptions

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http://www.mercola.com/2004/sep/25/snack_food.htm

 

Don't Be Fooled By New Snack Food Deceptions

 

Have you ever wished eating your favorite snack food like Cheetos

would be good for you? According to some snack food companies, that

time is now. Nutritionists heartily disagree.

 

One food manufacturer claims it wants to help consumers find a " little

shortcut to a healthier life. " A new labeling system will indicate

what are supposed to be 'smart food choices. " Stickers currently mark

products like baked Cheetos and by the end of 2004, more than 100

foods will be identified as " smart choices. " Another snack maker

introduced 100 Calorie Packs of its most popular snacks such as Chips

Ahoy! to help consumers count their calorie intake.

 

Nutritionists do not like the concept. They fear the labels will

encourage people to purchase food they should not eat. Many of the

so-called smart foods may be better than their predecessors but still

are not healthy choices.

 

Company officials argue that the stickers will make it easy to find

better choices in a given category.

 

Some say big name companies are introducing these food campaigns to

offer alternatives. Critics say they are simply trying to combat the

increasing awareness and concern for obesity in the United States.

 

To qualify, a product must meet the following standards:

 

* No more than 35 percent of a snack product's calories can come

from fat

* Food products like oatmeal and cereal cannot have more than 30

percent of its calories from fat

* 25 percent fewer calories, fat, sugar or sodium than an original

product

* Zero trans fats

* Products must meet other nutrient criteria unless they have

specific health or wellness benefits

 

Smart options products made up about 40 percent of this manufacturer's

U.S. profits in 2003.

 

USA Today September 3, 2004

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Most commercial chips -- corn chips, potato chips, tortilla chips --

are high in trans fat, which is why they are some of the worst foods

you can possibly eat.

 

Fortunately, some companies have caught on to the recent media blitz

about the dangers of trans fat and have started to produce chips

without trans fat. Nevertheless, the high temperatures used to cook

them will potentially cause the formation of carcinogenic substances

like acrylamide, and this risk remains even if the trans fat is removed.

 

Sources in the above article touched on the fact that some people will

eat foods they know are bad for them. In fact, some experts call these

tasty, but dangerous products often eaten as comfort food.

 

That's the problem: People should not find comfort in food. These

foods contribute to obesity being a major problem in the United States.

 

The good news is that falling victim to extra weight and obesity is

nearly 100 percent preventable by following some good (snip)

(added)nutritional self education and nutritional eating habits.