Food & Beverage

Kind Bars are not 'healthy' says the FDA

Kind Fruit & Nut Almond & Apricot
Source: Kind

Just because a company claims its products are healthy, doesn't make it true.

At least, that's what the FDA said when it issued a warning last month that Kind Bars is misleading consumers by using the word "healthy" on labels of four products.

"None of your products listed above meet the requirements for use of the nutrient content claim "healthy" that are set forth in 21 CFR 101.65(d)(2)," wrote William A. Correll Jr. of the FDA New York District.

Specifically, Correll cited misbranding issues related to product label claims about fiber, antioxidants, transfats and non-GMO glucose.

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"The above violations are not meant to be an all-inclusive list of violations that may exist in connection with your products or their labeling. It is your responsibility to ensure that your products comply with the Act and its implementing regulations," the letter said. "You should take prompt action to correct the violations. Failure to promptly correct the violations may result in regulatory action without further notice, including seizure and/or injunction."

A company spokesman, Joe Cohen, said the issue focused on nuts. Even though they do not meet the standard for use of the term "healthy," they are still considered nutritious by an overwhelming body of scientific evidence, Cohen said.

"Out team is fully committed to working alongside the FDA, and we're moving quickly to comply with its request," Cohen said. "In addition to the four bars that the FDA identified, we're also taking it upon ourselves to conduct a thorough review of all of our snack food labels to ensure that they're compliant."