The Grain Confusion

Despite the last post, I still found myself lost at Stop & Shop this week. There were actually several more varieties of grain than listed in the articles I linked. I did see "multi-grain" and "nine-grain," but I also remember seeing five and, fifteen, and other number grains as well. I ended up choosing an "oats & honey" whole grain, which I am pretty sure but not positive, is actually a whole grain. The fact that there are this many unclear labels boggles my mind. And according to another recent article on whole grains, the labeling situation doesn't appear to be getting any better.

"The problematic and unresolved issue is how the FDA may or may not regulate claims related to whole grains on food packaging."

The article goes on to state that self-policing among whole grain competitors will be the best solution to this problem. But regardless, the fact that companies are allowed to number their grains without any further explanation seems unfair. On the other hand, companies (as stated in the article) are not supposed to identify grains as being a "high or excellent source." Apparently, there is a new system for identification, but it only looks more confusing to me.

"The Whole Grains Council, a group comprised of researchers and companies such as General Mills (GIS), Interstate Bakeries (IBCIQ) and American Italian Pasta Company (PLB), developed three whole-grain stamps to correspond with different levels of recommended consumption: good source (a half serving), excellent source (full serving) and 100% excellent source of whole grains, meaning a full serving and all the grains are whole grains."

Unless the information inside the parenthesis is included in these source statements, I think everyone will be completely lost.