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Nestle mislabeled its products, FDA finds
by Pankhuri kapoor - December 26, 2009 - comments
Nestle, the world's biggest food company, lands in trouble after mislabeling its products
Vevey, Switzerland, December 26 -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has chastised Nestle for labeling its juice boxes for kids as ‘medical foods’ in advertisements earlier this month.
Reportedly, a complaint letter issued by the FDA on Dec. 3 had claimed that the company had mislabeled the ‘BOOST Kid Essentials Nutritionally Complete Drink’ as a medical food that helps in ‘pre/post surgery, injury or trauma, chronic illnesses’ and ‘failure to thrive’.
According to the FDA, “Medical foods must be for the dietary management of a specific disorder, disease, or condition for which there are distinctive nutritional requirements and must be intended to be used under medical supervision.”
Nestle misleads on nutritional claims on its products
The Swiss company landed in a soup again when on Dec. 4, another letter was issued by the FDA that criticized Nestle for claiming that its ‘Juicy Juice’ helped in brain development in children below 2.
The letter also said the labels wrongly claimed that the company’s ‘Juicy Juice’ product contained 100 percent juices. This was not true as there were added flavors in the juice, and this was mentioned on the juice label as well.
It may be noted that claiming things that are not true, especially for foods manufactured specifically for kids, is considered unlawful, gauging by the FDA guidelines.
FDA warns Nestle to correct the labels
The FDA wrote in the letters issued to the food giant, “It is your responsibility to ensure that all of your products are in compliance with the laws and regulations enforced by FDA.”
“Failure to promptly correct these violations may result in regulatory actions without further notice, such as seizure and/or injunction,” it further wrote.
Pam Krebs, a spokeswoman for Nestle Beverage headquartered in Vevey in Switzerland, acknowledged receiving the warning letters and this is what she says, “We are intending to fully cooperate with the FDA in bringing this matter to a conclusion.”
Parents advised caution
Parents must read the food labels thoroughly before buying anything for their precious ones. Parents should also check the nutrition levels and only buy food products after comparing the levels made available on the official website of FDA.
They should also complain if they find any false claims being made by any food and beverages company as consumption of wrong nutritional foods and beverages can impact the mental and physical health of their child.