A new study shows that consumers are misled by the false health claims on cereal boxes. The study by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University shows how consumers believe that certain cereals are more nutritious than they really are based on the health claims on the front of box label. The study, published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, shows that additional government regulation of front-of-package labeling may be needed to protect consumers. Claims like ‘whole grain’, ‘fiber’, ‘calcium and vitamin D’, ‘organic’ and ‘supports your child’s immunity’ are particularly misleading. For example: One quarter of parents surveyed believed that ‘whole grain’ on a box of Lucky Charms meant the cereal was a healthy choice for their kids. One look at the ingredients label would tell them differently. Sugar listed at the top of the ingredient list as well as all the unpronounceable non-food ingredients is a sure give away that this is not a healthy choice.

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