Smart Choices Front of Pack Labels Halted after FDA warning

An industry-funded food labeling program was halted on Friday just days after U.S. officials warned they were investigating if nutrition claims on the front of packages were misleading.

The Smart Choices Program said it would "voluntarily postpone active operations and not encourage wider use of the logo at this time by either new or currently enrolled companies." Consumer advocates and nutritionists have complained that some sugary cereals and high-salt foods display a "Smart Choices"checkmark on their packages to promote the products as healthy.

Participating companies include: Kellogg Co, Kraft Foods Inc  and General Mills Inc, Unilever PLC, PepsiCo Inc's Quaker Foods and < a href="/node/4605 " target="_blank" rel="noopener">ConAgra Foods Inc . Some foods carrying the Smart Choices seal include: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Baked Cheese Crackers, Country Crock spread and Froot Loops and Cocoa Krispies breakfast cereals.