Which statement best reflects what a consumer should infer from food labels about many processed, low-fat foods and their calorie content?

• A. If a food is labeled low-fat, it must also be labeled low-calorie by FDA definition.
• B. Processed, low-fat foods are typically low in calories.
• C. Processed, low-fat foods can still be high in calories, especially if they contain added sugars or refined starches.
• D. Low-fat labeling guarantees a food is nutrient-dense and low in added sugars.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that food labels provide specific information about fat content, calories, sugars, and other nutrients, but the term 'low-fat' only refers to the fat content, not the overall calorie content.
2. Recognize that many processed, low-fat foods may compensate for reduced fat by adding sugars or refined starches, which can increase the calorie content despite the low-fat label.
3. Recall that the FDA does not require foods labeled 'low-fat' to also be labeled 'low-calorie'; these are separate nutritional claims with different criteria.
4. Consider that nutrient density and added sugar content are not guaranteed by a low-fat label; a food can be low in fat but still high in calories and low in beneficial nutrients.
5. Conclude that consumers should read the full nutrition facts panel, including calories, sugars, and ingredient lists, rather than relying solely on 'low-fat' claims to assess the healthfulness of processed foods.