Nutrition & Wellness – Biology 50

Truth in Advertising – Diet Coke Plus

Another example of the truth being stretched, or misrepresented in advertising and where the buyer must beware.

Federal health regulators reprimanded Coca-Cola for placing inappropriate nutritional claims on its Diet Coke Plus soft drink. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning letter to the company, objecting to the product’s labeling, which describes the drink as “Diet Coke with Vitamins and Minerals.”

The FDA has pointed out that the Diet Coke Plus is misbranded. Federal regulators said the beverage does not have enough nutrients to justify the use of the word “plus” in its name.

According to the regulations, foods labeled “plus” must have at least 10 percent more nutrients than comparable products.

Additionally, the FDA said it is inappropriate to add extra nutrients to “snack foods such as carbonated beverages.”

Source:

Perrone. M. December 23, 2008. FDA warns Coca-Cola over nutritional claims. Associated Press.

Add comment December 23rd, 2008

World AIDS Day – Keep the Promise. Stop AIDS

World AIDS Day is 20

December 1, 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of celebrating World AIDS Day, a day set aside to recognize the disease that has killed over 25 million since it was identified in 1981.

The focus on this 20th anniversary is how the response to AIDS has greatly changed, some for the positive, but an anniversary provides an opportunity to highlight how much more still needs to be done.

Take the Test. Take Control.

A unique campaign has been developed using text messaging to promote HIV testing.

Mobile phone users can send a text message with their zip code to “KNOWIT” (566948). Within seconds, they will receive a text message identifying an HIV testing site near them.

This mobile phone service connects users with CDC’s testing database found at www.HIVtest.org.

Find out more about World AIDS Day at 20, 1988 – 2000.

Add comment December 1st, 2008