Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
Attorney General Announces All Food Manufacturers Agree To Drop Smart Choices Logo
October 29, 2009
Shortly following Blumenthal's announcement that he is investigating, the Smart Choices Program, Inc. voluntarily suspended its program, but left it up to participating food manufacturers to individually decide whether to cease using the program's logo.
Blumenthal said continued use by food manufacturers of the logo -- now representing a dormant program -- would be irresponsible and compound consumer confusion.
Days after Blumenthal urged the manufacturers by letter to drop the Smart Choices logo, all have agreed to do so. Those companies include ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Inc., Kellogg Company, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Inc., Riviana Foods, Sun-Maid and Unilever.
"Dropping the Smart Choices logo was a smart choice -- and a sweet step," Blumenthal said. "Food manufacturers rightly recognized our serious concerns about a program that promotes fat-saturated mayonnaise and sugar-laden cereals as smart. Smart Choices sensibly suspended its programs in the face of my investigation and plans by the FDA to establish industry standards for front-of-package labeling.
"Food manufacturers now realize that continued use of the logo would only mislead and compound consumer confusion. Other food labels richly deserve the same scrutiny -- which we will give them with relish.
"My investigation into Smart Choices, now supported by the FDA, continues to seek any scientific research or evidence behind a program that promotes mayonnaise, sugar-loaded cereal and ice cream as Smart Choices.
"Many in the food and beverage industry have sugarcoated their labels -- diverting and distracting consumers from nutrition truth, and pushing them toward obesity and disease. Self responsibility and good parenting are key to healthy lifestyles, but impossible when food manufacturers misguide them.
"Our initiative should send a message to other food manufacturers that labeling must be completely truthful and accurate without hype or spin, especially when appealing to children. I am strongly encouraged by interest in our investigation by other attorneys general who can form a powerful coalition against misleading or deceptive food labeling."
A "Smart Choices" symbol has prominently appeared on select food and beverage labels nationwide and claims to help guide consumer food choices.
Foods bearing the Smart Choices symbol have included Hellmann's Real Mayonnaise (light and non-light), Breyers ice cream and sugary processed cereals such as Froot Loops, Cocoa Krispies and Frosted Flakes.
In addition to Smart Choices, Blumenthal has requested information from the organizations which administer the program (NSF International and American Society for Nutrition), and major food manufacturers whose products bear the Smart Choices label, including Kellogg, PepsiCo and General Mills.
Blumenthal's investigation seeks details about the consumer research and selection criteria driving the Smart Choices program; the process and fees involved in administering the program; and any payments or developmental role that major food manufacturers might have provided for the program.