CSPI: Egg producers deceive consumers

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. Center for Science in the Public Interest claimed egg producers are deceiving consumers by falsely implying their eggs promote heart health.

The Washington-based CSPI said egg producers shouldn't be making heart-healthy claims, noting the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically prohibits such claims concerning eggs and other foods high in cholesterol or saturated fat.

"Egg producers have used the omega-3 buzz word to bilk health-conscious consumers -- and so far they've gotten away with it," said CSPI Executive Director Michael Jacobson.

The institute claimed egg producers take advantage of consumers' limited knowledge of the different types of omega-3s. While the FDA permits claims for a possible reduced risk of heart disease linked to two kinds of omega-3s, DHA and EPA, the agency does not allow such claims for other omega-3s.

"The FDA should start enforcing its own rules, instead of letting companies hoodwink shoppers with a myriad of misleading and downright inaccurate claims on labels, ads and Web sites," said Jacobson.