BODY WATCH : Don’t Be Fooled by Words on the Label

“The word natural on a food label means the food is healthy.”

No. The “natural” label, at present, gives consumers much less nutritional information than other labels. That’s because the Food and Drug Administration has not yet established a definition for the word natural on a food label, leaving the term unrestricted with one exception, says FDA spokeswoman Judy Foulke.

The FDA does restrict use of the “natural” label for added color, synthetic substances and flavors. For instance, the label “natural flavor” can be used only if the product meets the FDA’s definition of a natural flavor.

The word healthy on a food label is more clear-cut because the FDA has established a definition for it, says spokesman Brad Stone. Effective last year, FDA-regulated foods that use healthy on their labeling for the first time must conform to the new definition, which stipulates that “healthy” foods must not contain excess amounts of fat, sodium or cholesterol and must contain a minimum level of nutrients. Food products that already have a “healthy” label must comply with the new rules by 1996.

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“In children, a green nasal discharge means there is a bacterial infection.”

Not necessarily, says Dr. Kenneth Saul, a Thousand Oaks pediatrician. “Green in the nose usually means there is bacterial colonization of the mucus. It may or may not mean the child has a sinus infection.” What to do? Saul recommends observation, unless there are other symptoms, such as fever, or if the child has a history of chronic infections. “By the eighth day, the discharge should be improving,” he says. If not, consult a doctor.

Sooner is better, argues Dr. George B. Stoneman, an otolaryngologist at Good Samaritan Hospital and associate clinical professor of otolaryngology at USC.

“If congestion lasts more than a few days, and nasal secretions become thick and discolored, this usually means a bacterial infection,” he says. “You should see your doctor, and if an infection is found, antibiotics will usually be prescribed. Nasal and sinus infections should be treated as soon as possible to avoid the chance of complications.”

* Doheny cannot answer mail personally but will attempt to respond in this column to questions of general interest. Please do not telephone. Write to Mythbusters, Life & Style Section, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Calif. 90053.