Misleading labels make unhealthy food seem healthy
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Introduction
Have you ever picked up a snack labeled “low fat” or “made with fruit” and assumed it was a healthy choice? You’re not alone. In today’s world, food packaging and online content are full of health claims that sound convincing—but they’re not always true. A growing body of research shows that misleading labels and fake food news are confusing consumers, often making unhealthy foods seem like better choices.
Fake News and Food: A Dangerous Mix
Fake food news refers to completely false information, like the idea that grapes are sprayed with birth control or that seaweed is made of plastic. These stories often spread quickly on social media or messaging apps. Studies have found that people in many countries have read or heard such claims—and believed them. This type of misinformation can lead people to avoid safe and nutritious foods or adopt strange eating habits.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people believed that garlic or certain herbs could prevent the virus. While these foods are healthy, they can’t protect against a virus. But because the claims were repeated online by influencers or shared among friends, people changed their food habits based on them.
Labels Can Be Misleading Too
Even real information can be used in tricky ways. Labels like “fruit sugar” or “low fat” may sound healthier, but they don’t tell the full story. A product labeled “low fat” might have more sugar to make up for the taste. And calling regular sugar “fruit sugar” might make you think it’s healthier than it really is—even though it's basically the same thing.
In one study, people thought cereals labeled with “fruit sugar” were better for them, even though the sugar type made no difference. Another study showed that when yogurt was labeled “low fat,” people believed it had less sugar—even if it didn’t.
Cultural Beliefs and Myths Add to the Problem
The confusion doesn’t stop with labels and online posts. Around the world, many people follow traditional beliefs about food that aren’t supported by science. For example:
- In Ethiopia and parts of Asia, pregnant women avoid foods like eggs, bananas, or dairy due to fears they’ll harm the baby.
- In Thailand, raw fish is eaten with red ants or lime juice to “kill parasites,” even though the risk of infection is high.
- In India, some people believe that bitter foods or herbal remedies can cure diabetes, which is not true and can be dangerous.
These myths are often passed down by family or spread in local communities. Even health workers sometimes give incorrect advice based on outdated information.
Why This Matters for Your Health
Choosing the right foods is important for staying healthy. But when labels are unclear, myths are strong, and fake news spreads quickly, it becomes hard to know what’s true. This confusion can lead to poor nutrition, food fears, and even long-term health problems.
Research shows that people are more likely to believe fake food news if they:
- Use social media often to get health advice
- Have less education or access to science-based information
- Trust friends and influencers more than official sources
Also, once someone believes a food myth, it’s hard to change their mind—even when shown the truth.
What Can We Do?
To protect yourself and your family, here are a few simple tips:
- Check the source: Look for food facts from trusted health organizations, not just social media.
- Read labels carefully: “Low fat” or “natural” doesn’t always mean healthy. Check sugar, salt, and ingredient lists.
- Be curious, not convinced: If a food claim seems too good—or too scary—to be true, do a little research before acting on it.
- Talk to experts: Dietitians and healthcare providers can help sort fact from fiction.
Governments and health organizations also have a role to play. They can improve food labeling rules, support food education in schools, and fight the spread of false information online.
Conclusion: Stay Smart About What You Eat
We live in an age where food information is everywhere—but not all of it is helpful. Misleading labels and fake food claims can shape our eating habits in unhealthy ways. By learning to question what we see, read, and hear, we can make better choices at the grocery store and around the dinner table.
Eating well starts with knowing what’s real—and what’s not.