Cheerios is an Unapproved Drug ?

[GoRdOn_B]

The fda says it is..

"In addition to the health claim authorized by regulation in 21 CFR 101.76, a health claim linking the consumption of whole grain foods to a reduced risk of certain cancers has been authorized through the notification procedure in section 403(r)(3)(C) of the Act. The authorized claim is: "Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods ... may help reduce the risk of... certain cancers."2 Although the claim on your website also concerns whole grains and reduced risk of some cancers, it is different from the authorized claim in significant ways. For example, the authorized claim states that diets rich in whole grain foods and "other plant foods" may help reduce the risk for certain cancers. However,the claim on your website does not mention "other plant foods." Also, by using the language "especially cancers of the stomach and colon" the claim on your website emphasizes the relationship between whole grain foods and stomach and colon cancers as compared to other cancers, suggesting a greater degree of risk reduction or stronger evidence for the relationship between whole grain foods and risk of those two cancers. The claim authorized through the notification procedure does not emphasize the relationship between whole grain foods and stomach and colon cancer as compared to other cancers.




http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/s7188c.htm

 

[pseudolobster]

Yeah pretty much.

This is one of the FDA's main purposes, to challenge medical claims on food packaging. If general mills thinks their product cures or prevents disease they need to verify that claim with the FDA or otherwise they can't market it as being able to prevent or cure said disease.

 

[rkcstr]

Looks like they're just calling General Mills out for trying to spin data into saying that Cheerios has "medical" properties of reducing cholesterol and cancer. However, it's just the same as eating more fiber and plant sterols (not specifically Cheerios), which would have the same effect (maybe more with higher fiber/sterol foods). Plus the fact that if you're eating Cheerios (or other high fiber, low fat foods) in place of higher fat/cholesterol foods like eggs, bacon, etc, you'll also likely reduce cholesterol and GI cancer.

A good diet and exercise can make a huge difference in health. But, most people find it easier to swallow a pill than to live healthier