CSPI Newsroom
Come to CSPI's Newsroom for the latest information about the on-going fight for safe, healthy food.
Most Food & Entertainment Companies Get Failing Grade for Policies on Marketing Food to Children
March 9, 2010
Few Have Any Policies in Place at All, According to CSPI Report Card
WASHINGTON—Most food and entertainment companies have received Fs from the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, which today issued a report card that rates 128 companies’ policies with regard to food marketing aimed at children. Three-quarters of companies are getting an F, either for having weak policies or for failing to have any policies whatsoever.
Study Shows Progress Made Removing Sugary Sodas from Schools
March 8, 2010
Statement of CSPI Nutrition Policy Director Margo G. Wootan
We congratulate the beverage industry for working to remove sugary sodas from schools. Together with stronger state laws and local school wellness policies, the country is making good progress in getting sugary drinks out of schools.
Foods With Contaminated Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Recalled
March 4, 2010
Statement of CSPI Food Safety Attorney Sarah Klein
The massive voluntary recall announced today by Basic Food Flavors, Inc.—of products containing a widely used flavor enhancer, hydrolyzed vegetable protein--is yet more proof that the Food and Drug Administration needs more authority, more inspectors, and more resources to ensure that our food supply is safe. Fortunately, this recall has been started before any illnesses have been linked to this strain of Salmonella.
FDA Crackdown on Misleading Food Labels Praised
March 3, 2010
Statement of CSPI Legal Affairs Director Bruce Silverglade
The FDA’s coordinated enforcement actions today against 16 food manufacturers, including Gerber, Beech-Nut, Gorton’s, Sunsweet, Nestlé, Pom, and Diamond, should send a loud and clear signal to industry that time is running out on misleading health-related claims on labels. For far too long, manufacturers have exaggerated the healthfulness of their products, or even implied that their products contain special “functional” ingredients that provide drug-like protection against various diseases. The previous administration tolerated such shenanigans, but I hope that the party is now over.
Salt-Water-Soaked Chicken Not at all Natural, Says CSPI
February 24, 2010
Statement of CSPI Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson
Chicken, salt, and water all are natural, but when you combine the three what you get is chicken that is anything but "all natural."
Government Health Agency Urged to Drop Coca-Cola as Heart-Health Partner
February 16, 2010
Like Allowing Philip Morris to Sponsor Anti-Smoking Campaign, Says CSPI
WASHINGTON—The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute should not partner with Coca-Cola to raise awareness of heart disease among women, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. In a letter to the NHLBI, the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest says overweight and obesity are prime risk factors for heart disease, and the agency shouldn’t be bolstering the dismal reputation of the Coca-Cola Company, the world’s biggest manufacturer of obesigenic soft drinks.
Childhood Obesity Initiative Announced by First Lady Michelle Obama
February 9, 2010
Statement of CSPI Nutrition Policy Director Margo G. Wootan
For far too long, the nation's response to childhood obesity has been underwhelming, considering obesity’s massive impact on the nation's physical and fiscal health. The First Lady has the clout and visibility to change that and mobilize the nation's resources to address the problem.
Coke to Fleece America by Charging More for Less, Says CSPI
January 29, 2010
$8.50 a Gallon for Small Cans of Water & High Fructose Corn Syrup?
WASHINGTON—In recent ads, Coca-Cola cheerfully congratulated itself for introducing a new, 7.5-ounce can of soda. While calorie counters may appreciate the convenience of a 90-calorie can, dollar counters may be in for sticker shock: On an ounce-for-ounce basis, the new cans cost 50 to 140 percent more than 12-ounce cans.
New York State Tax on Soda Cheered by CSPI
January 19, 2010
Statement of CSPI Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson
The first point you should consider when weighing soda taxes? Soda consumption harms taxpayers...
New York City to Nudge Food Companies to Lower Salt Nationwide
January 11, 2010
CSPI Praises Move and Urges Industry to Cooperate
WASHINGTON—The single most dangerous ingredient in the food supply is salt, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which today praised New York City health officials for pressuring food companies to reduce salt levels in packaged foods and restaurant meals by 25 percent over the next five years. CSPI called New York's program "smart, sophisticated, and timely."
