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Label olestra, CSPI says

Continuing its strategy of using the courts to do what FDA has failed to do, the Center for Science in the Public Interest is aiding a Massachusetts consumer in a lawsuit against Frito Lay for allegedly deceptively marketing its line of “Light” potato chips because the product label did not indicate it contained the fat substitute olestra, which is known to have a laxative-type effect on some people.

The suit wants the court to order Frito Lay to label Light chips with a warning of possible adverse reactions.

In 2003, FDA dropped its requirement that packages of food containing olestra bear a label warning of abdominal cramping and loose stools. In 2004, Frito Lay quietly renamed its line of olestra-containing “WOW!” chips to “Light.” CSPI charges that the intent was to deceive consumers into thinking that the line was olestra-free and low-calorie. Sales of Light soared but so did complaints to CSPI from people who became ill.

Chips in the Light line include Doritos Light; Lay’s Light original and barbecue; Ruffles Light original, cheddar, and sour cream; and Tostitos Light. Proctor & Gamble uses olestra in its fat-free Pringles chips but has removed the Olean (P&G’s brand name for olestra) logo from the package.

CSPI indicated it may make it a class action lawsuit.

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