Log Cabin "Natural" Syrup really isn't. FDA asked to investigate

[woo me with science]

I'm embarrassed to say I got fooled by this crap. I bought a jug because I was in a hurry, it was placed right in the middle of all the pure maple syrups (but slightly cheaper), and it looked like it was the real thing. I didn't even notice that it doesn't actually say "maple" on the label. :blush: We took one taste, and it was like drinking thick sugar water - even worse than the fake maple syrups. We threw it away.



Vermont Officials Ask FDA to Investigate Whether the 4% Maple Product Violates Labeling Laws
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/09/business/main6850892.shtml


(AP) A new Log Cabin syrup touted as “all natural” looks a lot like the pure, 100 percent maple product that's the pride of Vermont, right down to its packaging in a plastic beige jug.

But Vermont officials, seeking to protect the state's signature commodity, contend that Log Cabin All Natural Syrup is not what it seems, enticing consumers into dousing their pancakes with ingredients that include caramel color, xanthan gum a natural thickener and a paltry 4 percent maple.

They want the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate whether Log Cabin Syrup, a division of Pinnacle Foods LLC, is violating FDA labeling laws.

.....

Michelle Weese, a spokeswoman for Mountain Lakes, N.J.-based Pinnacle Foods, said the company believes its Log Cabin All Natural syrup “complies with all FDA regulations." The FDA said it does not have a definition for “natural.”

.....

It's a deliberate attempt to fool consumers, said Doug Bragg, owner of Bragg Farm Sugarhouse and Gift Shop in East Montpelier.

....

The board “was very concerned about the packaging, shelf-placement and sale of this product,” in addition to the use of “natural” on the label, Dave Chapeskie, the institute's executive director, said Thursday.

...


And an update:

Log Cabin 'Natural' Syrup Maker Relents on Color
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=11748598


By JOHN CURRAN Associated Press Writer
MONTPELIER, Vt. September 28, 2010 (AP)
(AP)

Under fire in maple syrup country, the maker of Log Cabin All Natural Syrup said Tuesday it's getting rid of the product's caramel coloring in response to complaints by producers of the real thing.

That may not be enough. Officials in Vermont — the nation's largest producer of pure maple syrup — say the Pinnacle Foods product's label and packaging are still misleading to consumers and violate the state's maple syrup labeling regulations.

"By continuing to market its product with jug-like packaging and 'all-natural' labeling, Pinnacle leaves consumers with the impression that Log Cabin table syrup and Vermont maple syrup are one and the same," said U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. "As Vermonters know, they're not even close. It's time for Pinnacle to stop misleading customers and stop imitating the Vermont maple industry."

[david13]

1. All natural? Ha ha. Do you realize, strontium, uranium, and

plutonium are all natural. Dug right out of the ground. But you don't want them on your breakfast menu.
Hey, all the pure real maple syrup is is ... pure sugar. I can't take that stuff either.
dc

[woo me with science]

2. Oh, I'm fine with sugar. I mind the LACK of maple.

I feel like a chump. They still have my 6 dollars. :rofl:

[david13]

3. You should have taken it back to the store. Most stores will

just refund your money.
At least around here. Most with no questions asked. But if you are dissatisfied, then more so.
dc

[woo me with science]

4. That's a good idea.

Now I'm sorry I threw it out.

[tigereye]

6. ah, they tricked you with the bottle- a lot of the real

maple syrup bottles look like that. Sorry to hear it- I've done the same thing as well- that's what companies bank on. Hope they get fined, or something.

[Bombero1956]

5. I never buy that fake stuff

I go to local sugarhouses and buy from them. I know that's not possible for everybody but if you want the real thing you have to go to the source.

[hedgehog]

8. Good advice for honey consumers, too

http://www.walletpop.com/2010/10/01/corn-syrup-antibiotics-may-taint-u-s-honey-supply-as-bees-decl/

[EOTE]

7. Oddly enough, it's 80% taco meat.

Perhaps Log Cabin and Taco Bell need to come to an arrangement.

[Bucky]

9. Correction: 80% ALL-NATURAL taco meat.

The packaging phrase "all-natural" is essentially meaningless. It can be natural chemicals, for all they'll tell you.