Proceedings: Present and proposed regulations affecting the marketing of prudent diet foods

When the questions of the relationship of diet and heart disease are considered, even those most committed must admit a controversy. In the past, the Food and Drug Administration took a position specifically forbidding any kind of statements on fat and fatty acids. Although there are no definitive studies which have demonstrated beyond doubt that a diet modification in the general public with respect to fat and cholesterol is desirable, the Agency has modified its position so that patients may better identify such foods when a “prudent” diet has been recommended by their physicians. This product identification is achieved through labeling where the total fat content, the cholesterol, and saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids may be stated. No other statements may be made that implicitly or explicitly claim a value in preventing or treating heart or artery diseases. Responsibility for the education and use of the information by the consumer will remain with the individual physician, health educator, and health organizations.