WASHINGTON, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released new guidelines for the term "whole grain" for bread, cereals and similar products.
The FDA's terminology, if approved after a 60-day comment period, would be voluntary, the Wall Street Journal reports. It may also not be helpful for consumers trying to figure out which foods advertised as healthy really are.
The rules would bar companies from using the term "whole grain" for products that include soybeans, chickpeas and other non-grains.
The guidelines would also discourage food manufacturers from using terms like "good" or "excellent source" of whole grains. Barbara Schneeman, the director of the Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, told the newspaper that the FDA is still trying to decide if whole grains are a nutrient.
