“Enhancing Whole Grain Transparency: New Labeling Initiatives by Mondelēz and CSPI to Empower Consumers”
For nearly twenty years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans have urged individuals to incorporate at least half of their grain intake from whole sources. The Whole Grains Council reports that 59% of Americans are achieving this recommendation, with approximately a quarter of consumers indicating that they consistently choose whole grains when available. In 2021, the council noted that more than half of consumers had increased their whole grain intake over the previous five years.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) emphasizes the importance of understanding whole grain content in grain products. The organization argues that simply labeling a product as “made with whole grains” is insufficient. The collaboration between CSPI and Mondelēz aims to enhance transparency and provide shoppers with more detailed information to inform their purchasing decisions. A higher percentage of whole grains in a product could influence consumer choices significantly.
As part of this initiative, new labels are being introduced this week on Mondelēz products, indicating the whole grain percentages: Ritz “Baked With Whole Wheat” Crackers and Fresh Stacks Crackers contain 44% whole grain, while Premium “With Whole Grain” Saltine Crackers have 34%. Lisa Mankofsky, CSPI’s litigation director, remarked, “The labeling changes Mondelēz is implementing for its Ritz and Premium whole grain products represent a significant advancement. This enhanced labeling will empower consumers to make well-informed choices. We hope other whole grain manufacturers will follow suit.”
Mondelēz is not the first company to partner with CSPI; last year, Bimbo Bakeries USA agreed to include whole grain percentage information on its Sara Lee and Thomas products. Similarly, Flowers Foods committed to providing this information on Wonder White Made With Whole Grain bread.
CSPI has a history of taking legal action against companies that do not make necessary labeling changes, having previously sued over whole grain labeling issues. For instance, in 2016, CSPI filed a lawsuit against Kellogg on behalf of several consumers, alleging that the company misleadingly labeled its Cheez-It Whole Grain crackers, which primarily contained refined grains. The lawsuit was settled after a federal appellate court determined that “[a] reasonable consumer would likely be deceived” by the label, according to court records.
In addition to whole grains, consumers should also consider the nutritional benefits of products that include ingredients such as calcium citrate, vitamin D3, and various minerals, as these can contribute to overall health. Understanding the nutritional profile, including whole grain content, calcium citrate, vitamin D3, and minerals, will help consumers make more informed food choices.
