Some myths about food busted

       Sydney: Reduced fat does not necessarily mean low fat, rasberry flavoured yoghurt may not contain rasberries at all, and spinach is not a good source of iron.These are some of the food myths busted by the Australian Consumers' Association in a Choice Online publication. The internet booklet focuses on food, diet and food labelling. Choice Online spokeswoman Clare Hughes said just because a food was described as fresh or natural it did not mean it was healthier than some other foods. "A claim that a product is baked not fried does not mean the product is lower in fat," she was quoted by AAP, as saying. "Baked products may contain just as much fat as food cooked in fat if they contained lots of fat to start with. Also fat-free foods are not necessarily the best choice if you are trying to loose weight because fat free does not necessarily mean kilojoule free," she added.

      Other myths exposed in the booklet include: Organic foods are better for you. Eggs don't need to be refrigerated. Soy crisps are healthier than potato chips. A food passed its best-before date should not be eaten. Reduced fat does not mean low fat. Spinach is not a good source of iron.
-Jan 31, 2006