FDA cracking down on deceptive labeling

(UNDATED) - The Food and Drug Administration is taking action against deceptive food labeling.

The FDA says several big baby-food makers and other companies make inaccurate or exaggerated nutrition and health claims.

Bruce Silverglade said, "Well this is certainly more than just a shot across the bow, the FDA is declaring war on misleading food labeling."

The FDA sent warning letters to 17 companies, well known names like Gorton's, Nestle and Beech Nut.

Twenty-two products were cited for violations that include:

• Unauthorized health claims
• Unauthorized nutrient content claims
• And the unauthorized use of terms such as healthy

"Right now you practically have to be a label detective to be able to get through the hype and the misleading claims and inaccurate statements on the food package," said Silverglade, Director for Center For Science in the Public Interest said,

The FDA pointed to products like 'Pom' wonderful 100% pomegranate juice.'

Silverglade said, "Pom... has been claiming that their product can reduce the risk of almost every disease under the sun."

Another product targeted is Mrs Smith's Coconut Custard Pie, produced by Schwan's. The label says the pie has no trans fat, but did not disclose the high levels of saturated fat and total fat in the dessert.

These Gorton's fish fillets has 19 grams of total fat per serving, but lacks a required disclaimer for products with more than 13 grams of fat.

The FDA has given the companies 15 days to inform them how they will correct the lab. Click here for more information.