Smart choices for dumb consumers

Just to show you how far out of the loop I am, this was all news to me.

Smart Choices Foods: Dumb As They Look?

Basically, 14 major food companies as well as The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association paid varying amounts of money to fund a labeling initiative called Smart Choices, which is *supposed* to inform consumers when a product is a healthier choice.

I have many, many problems with. First of all, define "healthier." I mean, sure, drinking a Diet Pepsi may be a healthier choice than drinking, say a beer or even a regular Pepsi, but there are many, many better choices. But Diet Pepsi has the stamp of approval - the coveted green checkmark.

Second, the whole initiative is funded by the makers of the very products they are evaluating. Isn't that a bit like giving the keys to the jail to the inmates?

I can't believe that anyone would think this is a good idea. Even worse is the fact that I know people are going to see those checkmarks and think that they are making healthy choices. Because God knows anything that allows us to hand over our personal responsibility will be a big seller.


*I tried to get a picture of the checkmark and nothing in my house has one. Probably because I don;t buy processed junk, but whatever. The next time I am at the grocery store I will try to remember to grab a picture.