CSPI admitted that the label statements are technically accurate but says the “cumulative effect” of claims leads consumers into thinking palm oil is a health food. Palm oil is high in saturated fats that promote heart disease, said CSPI.
It’s all part of an effort by manufacturers to eliminate trans fat from their products. CSPI urges companies to switch to canola, soybean, corn, sunflower, or other more healthful oils, but not palm oil or butter.
“Newman’s Own isn’t lying per se, but they are clearly trying to put lipstick on a pig,” said CSPI executive director Michael Jacobson.