Food/Nutrition Bloopers from Restaurants,
Food Companies, Web sites and News Media
The following are actual quotes or observations (the latest entries are at the top). Click for our comments. Some of these errors/misinformation have been subsequently corrected by their source and some have not.
Serving Size is Regulated
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- Created on 01, September, 2009
A food and health blog states that food companies alter serving sizes to control the information on Nutrition Facts labels.
Fewer Carbs in Flatbread?
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- Created on 01, August, 2009
In an online news article a dieting chef recommends making sandwiches on flatbread rather than regular bread to reduce carbohydrates.
"Low in Sugar"
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- Created on 01, July, 2009
A nut and grain bar with 11 g sugar is promoted as “low in sugar.”
Nutrients in White Corn?
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- Created on 01, June, 2009
A sign posted over fresh produce at a major natural foods chain states that white corn is a good source of vitamin C and is very low in cholesterol.
Bungled Restaurant Burger Nutrition Online
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- Created on 01, May, 2009
An online listing of nutrition info for restaurants shows a steakhouse burger as having 392 calories per 1/2 serving, 405 calories from fat, 0 grams saturated fat and 0 grams protein.
Cost of Restaurant Nutrition Analysis
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- Created on 01, April, 2009
A newspaper article and editorial cite the cost for nutrition analysis per restaurant menu item at up to $5,000, based on restaurant group estimates.
Low-Calorie Oatmeal?
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- Created on 01, March, 2009
A restaurant press release mentions “low-calorie oatmeal” when discussing menu nutrition.
Who Regulates US Food Labeling?
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- Created on 01, February, 2009
A licensed dietitian/nutritionist writing for a newspaper states that FTC, not FDA, controls nutrition labeling issues.
Foods with "Few Calories"?
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- Created on 01, January, 2009
An article by a dietitian in a major women’s magazine lists 10 nutritious foods with “relatively few calories.”
Healthier Fast Foods?
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- Created on 01, December, 2008
A “nutrition expert” interviewed by a news station selects “best bets” in fast food for healthier options.
Worst Healthy Foods?
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- Created on 01, November, 2008
A list of “worst ‘healthy’ foods” includes yogurt with fruit on the bottom.
Calories in Pears, Fruit
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- Created on 01, October, 2008
A list of top foods in a major financial newspaper describes pears as “low in calories.”
Apple Pie High in Vitamin C?
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- Created on 01, September, 2008
A baked apple pie sold at health food stores shows 160% DV for vitamin C on the nutrition panel for one slice.