The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a US federal judge has handed a consent decree permanent injunction against Butterfly Bakery and its CEO Brenda Isaac until it conforms to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and applicable regulations.
Sugar-free muffins with sugar
Over several years the FDA and state officials found that products including muffins and cookies from the company labeled “sugar free” contained sugar, and some products had three times the amount of sugar declared on the pack.
Labs tests also revealed that some products contained two times the amount of labeled fat, and two times the amount of declared saturated fat.
Melinda K Plaisier, the FDA’s acting associate commissioner for regulatory affairs, said: “Until Butterfly Bakery meets FDA regulations, it will no longer be able to process or distribute their products.”
“This injunction demonstrates that the FDA will seek enforcement action against companies that mislead consumers on the products they purchase.”
Butterfly: Confident product claims are true
Butterfly Bakery on its Facebook page acknowledged the FDA release, but maintained that its products met its sugar free label claims.
"Butterfly Bakery voluntarily entered into a consent decree and has been working with the FDA and a team of technical and regulatory experts since May 31, 2011, to improve its processes and ensure compliance with all Butterfly Bakery products. Only 3 out of Butterfly's 45 items were sited. Note: These items were part of one of the five lines of baked goods that Butterfly produces."
"We are confident that our product claims are true and we are continuing operations to satisfy our customer's needs."
Milk based lactitol claims
On its Facebook page, Butterfly Bakery carries the tagline: “Our sugar free, no sugar added and gluten free baked goods will turn your dietary restriction into a dietary indulgence.”
According to the page, the company was established in 1998 by Isaac so she could create sugar free goods her diabetic mother could enjoy.
The page says that products were sweetened with milk based lactitol.