Bittman on Labeling Lunacy

The NYT's Mark Bittman has been writing and blogging for a week now on Smart Choices labeling that started appearing on food products about a month ago. It would seem obvious that this is far more marketing tool than consumer advice. As so many have noted, if Fruit Loops clears the bar, how much can this mean?

Not only does the labeling pander to the food industry, but it is also heavily skewed in favor of carbs and against fat of whatever type. As it becomes increasingly clear that the North American obesity epidemic is a carbohydrate and processed food phenomenon, a food labeling initiative that encourages both is hardly helpful.

For those who feel overwhelmed by this, it is useful to recall Michael Pollen's simple advice: eat food (and not food-like products), not too much and mostly plants. And less refined is always better.