In a rush to share exciting news about a new label program, I probably did not uncover enough suspicious products to make me wonder about the overall usefulness of the new nutritional program. According to the New York Times, there are some serious questions that need to be raised about certain products listed as “Smart Choices.”

They write, “Froot Loops qualifies for the label because it meets standards set by the Smart Choices Program for fiber and Vitamins A and C, and because it does not exceed limits on fat, sodium and sugar. It contains the maximum amount of sugar allowed under the program for cereals, 12 grams per serving, which in the case of Froot Loops is 41 percent of the product, measured by weight. That is more sugar than in many popular brands of cookies.“

“Froot Loops is an excellent source of many essential vitamins and minerals and it is also a good source of fiber with only 12 grams of sugar,” said Celeste A. Clark, senior vice president of global nutrition for Kellogg’s, which makes Froot Loops. “You cannot judge the nutritional merits of a food product based on one ingredient.”

The FDA is considering entering the mix and creating a standardized nutritional label. Stay tuned. Definitely time to chime in on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines. In the meantime, consider whole grain products and their health benefits. No translations needed.

So here we are again: Read, Read, Read. Think about what you buy and recognize that no single certificate, check-mark, or endorsement will solve all your grocery shopping.

We must decide our purchases based on simple logic: Less is More.