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GUEST: Leslie Mikkelsen, co-author of the study, “Where’s the Fruit?” Managing Director of the Prevention Institute

According to a recently released study by The Prevention Institute and the Strategic Alliance for Healthy Food and Activity Environments, over half of the most prominently advertised children’s foods featuring fruits in their packaging actually contain no fruit ingredients. The study entitled, “Where’s the Fruit?” also found that thirteen of the thirty-seven children’s food products examined featured packaging that included multiple references to fruit despite having no fruit ingredients. Whereas parents might be drawn to images of fruit or labels featuring adjectives such as “fruity,” as healthier choices for their children, many products studied in the report actually are high in added sweeteners. The authors of “Where’s the Fruit,” warn that such deceptions come at a time when obesity at type II diabetes are on the rise among children. In light of the key findings in the study, the authors urge the Food and Drug Administration to strengthen rules on advertisements and packaging.

To read, “Where’s the Fruit?” online, visit www.preventioninstitute.org/