What is a whole grain anyway?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday it has formulated a new definition of whole grain that will make it easier for consumers to follow a healthy diet. You would think that a whole grain is just the entire grain and not just parts of the grain, wouldn’t you?
It is the first time the FDA has issued a specific definition for consumers and the food industry of what it considers to be whole grain.
FDA said whole grains include cereal grains such as barley, corn, rice, oats or wheat that consist of the intact, ground, cracked or flaked fruit of the grain. Products such as pizza crust could only be labeled as “whole grain” or “whole wheat” when the crust is made entirely from grain or wheat.
“Using the term multi-grain or seven-grain doesn’t necessarily mean that a product contains whole grains,” she told reporters.
FDA said providing a standard definition would help consumer’s select whole-grain products that are consistent with dietary guidelines.
The popularity of whole grains has soared in recent years after scientific studies showed they may help prevent cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
FDA did not say whether food processors that market their products as whole grain will have to remove the claims. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) said the FDA was making progress toward discouraging those misleading statements.
“I don’t praise FDA that often, but in this case I think they made the right decision,” said Bonnie Liebman, director of nutrition for CSPI. The food industry said the FDA’s proposal was a step in the right direction.
Why would we need to clarify such a basic idea? Because those that can make money producing cheaper and unhealthier foods really don’t care if their misleading statements affects our long-term health. Buyer beware is the best way to look at this issue. Often I have pointed out this problem and have been telling you to read the label anyhow to make sure the product you intend to purchase really has what you think it has in it. This is the best article to prove this concern and tell you to continue to guard your health by reading and making informed decisions.
Dr. Benzinger
317-872-2989
