I just watched the program on health check. I really must congratulate you people on this revelation. I try to pick healthy products. I am always leery of claims made but I must admit I somewhat trusted the health check logo. No more. Thanks for bringing this to light. I will be a lot more observant and less trusting in future. Posted by: terry Casey | Jan 23, 08 06:53 PM

thank you for letting us know how money helps make the Heart and Stroke endorse and sell/promote to you foods that are not what they lead you to believe are "the best choice for you and your health.." it was funny to watch the spokes person for H&S try and get around the questions about the "good food choices by them" Posted by: Lindsey Scott | Jan 23, 08 07:01 PM

Thank you for your great program on the Heart and Stroke Health Check program. When I first saw the logo in my grocery store, I thought it was a great idea and would make my shopping easier. When I saw the logo on frozen french fries, I began to doubt. Then, I started looking at other items that had the check; canned soups, frozen dinners, etc.and when I read the list of ingredients, high sodium content, high sugar content, high in saturated fats, I gave up on the system. When I watched your program and found out that money was being paid for inclusion in the program my level of disappointment with the association rose. I certainly hope that the association rethinks their guidelines if they want to retain credibility. Posted by: Don Forsythe | Jan 23, 08 07:03 PM

We always look at the contents of products before we buy them. I must admit, we used to put a lot of faith in the Health Check. NOT ANY MORE!!! Heart and Stroke Foundation, I thought was concerned about us when really they care about who pays for their check mark. I personally will not count on them nor support them again. That includes the Heart and Stroke Foundation Lottery tickets that I always supported. It is time for the government to overlook their system as they do in every other business. Posted by: W. Cordingley | Jan 23, 08 07:06 PM

Loblaws, Loeb, and other grocery stores in Ottawa; keep those eyes open, because I will be posting copies of this info by any product with a health check symbol on it. :) Posted by: Ronny | Jan 23, 08 07:07 PM

I watched the Market Place report on the "Heart&Stroke" food stickers and the money grab behind the promotion of their support sticker. In a way: false advertising. The Feds should have the lead in checking and promoting the types of healthy foods for us to eat and not to leave it to such organizations, which promote for financial gain only. Posted by: Jack van Dam | Jan 23, 08 07:15 PM

I am disgusted with The Heart and Stroke Foundation in how they administer this very misleading program. My wife and I are very conscious of what we buy from our food providers. This is, in my humble opinion, verging on a "scam". We had so much confidence when we saw the H&SF label - but never again. Where the heck is Health Canada while this is all happening? Who will protect the consumer ? I was "blown-away" to find out the H&SF are selling the label. Excuse the pun, but in Newfoundland we say "The proof is in the puddin" and Market Place has uncovered a serious flaw, and we as consumers need to demand action from all the stakeholders. If this wasn't so serious it would be funny! Please turn the heat up as far as you possible can on this one, because it truly affects everyone, from the cradle to the grave. Posted by: Gary Browne | Jan 23, 08 07:16 PM

I'm at a loss for words in regards to the heart and stroke foundation . As I was watching the program , I was hoping that they would be able to back up their HEALTH CHECK logo, but as it turns out , they couldn't . Perhaps they should add a foot note to their logo letting consumers know that the HEALTH CHECK logo was purchased as a marketing tool as long as they meet the Heart and Stroke Foundation's low level food-rating system. We as Canadians deserve better than this. Posted by: Darrin Knox | Jan 23, 08 07:25 PM

We just purchased some microwave popcorn with the logo on it believing that it would be healthier than similar products in sodium and sugar content. I remember thinking as I tasted the product that the salt content still seemed high. I am not surprised at how poorly our foods are assessed compared to the testing in the States. However to have only certain products tested by companies paying for the tests and logo speaks for itself as a shameless partnership between Heart and Stroke Foundation and those who opt to pay for the service. I will be staying away from products with the checkmark logo and looking at other products instead. Posted by: Bruce | Jan 23, 08 07:33 PM

I watched the show with horror as Wendy dissected the "Heart & Stroke representative. The health check is on products to raise money and is not an objective analysis of good healthy eating recommendations. It was embarrassing as she (the Heart & Stroke rep) tried to defend the indefensible. Wendy was on the mark and clearly this is an organization that very quickly should have an "ethics" policy in place. As consumers we should be careful when we donate to organizations that in my opinion have lost sight of the right thing to do. The Heart & Stroke foundation should hang its head in shame over the direction it has chosen. This one was a heartbreaker. Posted by: Lorraine | Jan 23, 08 07:46 PM

The first time I read an article about the Heart and Stroke's logo on certain foods, I was concerned then and now...their logo might not be telling the truth, nutritionally, about what's in the products. I am on a low-fat to no-fat diet, not to lose weight but because I had/have, a tendency to eat foods with saturated fats and had high cholesterol, took medication which in turn, affected my liver adversely. Now I'm at a loss as to what to do....if I can't trust the Heart & Stroke logo, then I'll have to just wing it. Posted by: Carol MaryAnne Harrison | Jan 23, 08 07:48 PM

Certainly the HSF is raking in the money, but I do believe the original intention was to provide consumers with a bit of guidance. The HSF makes clear on ALL products that companies pay to be considered for the program. We cannot criticize Health Check alone - there are TONS of companies creating their own similar point of purchase program. The problem lies with poor regulation from Health Canada's end. They've done an excellent job policing nutrient & health claims, but this needs to be standardized at a federal level. Health Canada is already in consultation regarding other health/nutrient claims, this should certainly be brought to the table. Yes, the Health Check product evaluation system is a bit lenient, and if anything it's a huge marketing tool for the companies themselves. However, these types of supposed nutrition information programs which generalize nutrition of an entire foods are fatally flawed - how can you claim one single food is good or bad? Food choices are not black and white. Say you want to eat a piece of chocolate cake one night out, but gasp, god forbid it rates low on the 3-star rating system or ONQI! (sidebar: How can you possibly claim that the Hannaford or ONQI system are THE gold standard by which to compare food - just because they do not meet those requirements does not mean they do not fit into a healthy diet. That comparison point is flawed) It's about the big picture, specifically how certain foods can fit into your diet throughout the day. Just because it rates "low" doesn't mean you should not eat it - perhaps it is a treat, or a "sometimes" food. It's life, you fall off the bandwagon every now and again, but the real story is in the sum of the parts. The onus is still on consumers. Forget the colourful logos and marketing hype. Educate yourselves. Read those nutrition labels and make smart choices. Posted by: Arlene | Jan 23, 08 08:00 PM

Typical. It just goes to show money talks. If I could offer any advice or tricks when shopping, I was always told to stay away from the middle aisles of the grocery store, and stick to the walls where your produce, meats, dairy and the like are. Posted by: Bob | Jan 23, 08 08:00 PM

I am appalled that the Heart & Stroke foundation would endorse those products. The foundation needs to cease and desist. This is complete fraud and I do not support the health check rating. It is very negligent on their part. If a comprehensive study is not done it is not scientific. The Heath & Stroke foundation sounds more like a marketing company. I will never support any initiative by this foundation. Posted by: Julie Prine | Jan 23, 08 08:01 PM

Who can you trust? I am really considering withholding my annual donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation because of their labeling deception! And of course I will read the labels more closely in the future. Posted by: Gordon Bower | Jan 23, 08 08:03 PM

As Heart and Cancer survivors we try our best to read labels and when we saw the H&S labels we bought with confidence. Well not anymore! they will fall into the same categories as "Light" and "Reduced". Posted by: John and Patricia Hambleton | Jan 23, 08 08:04 PM

I have a concern about the program today. First - I really enjoyed it and was glad to see the reality of "healthy" food buying brought to light. I am familiar with the Star system at Hannafords in the US - and when it first came out, was very excited about it. But after shopping and checking things out, I noticed that the star rating gives diet products stars - something I feel is wrong. There is so little information about the potential harm of diet products, that I feel it should not be given stars simply because it has less sugar (but filled with chemicals). I would really like to see the effects of diet products on our health. Thanks for the great show. I think Supermarkets should be jumping on board, like Hannafords, to provide a better service to its clientele. I would be more inclined to shop at Hannafords if there was one in Quebec. Posted by: Cathy | Jan 23, 08 08:04 PM

So, the Health Check logo appears to be the best that money can buy! Since your expose, I will now regard that logo as branding a product I should avoid and continue my search for a healthier option. Thanks Heart and Stroke for, as you said, "steering me in the right direction" ! Posted by: Jeanne Isley | Jan 23, 08 08:07 PM

I am actually not surprised by this - as a Naturopathic Doctor there are many claims on products claiming they're healthy when in fact they are not. I can completely understand the confusion it creates among the public there is so much misinformation out there - it makes it difficult for someone who tries to make health conscious choices and is completely mislead! The ONQI system was great - it took into consideration sugar, types of fats and sodium - this is what we need! Posted by: Andrea Bull | Jan 23, 08 08:08 PM

All I have to say is - don't believe that everything in the media is accurate reporting. I think people are responsible for their own food choices. I believe the Health Check program gives people the option, if they have to choose between two foods -i.e. cans of soup, the Health Check one is healthier. It's not going to buy your food and cook it up for you! Come on people - take some responsibility of your own. I think the Foundation is trying its best to help people make "healthIER" choices. Posted by: Marissa | Jan 23, 08 08:08 PM

Health Check.... try Profit Check This program holds unbelievably valuable information! I am in the area of the health care industry where people battle weight and health issues. It is very hard to get most people to understand how the business of profit has been put ahead of the concern for health. Programs like the this are imperative to help reinforce that people have to do research. We have to take greater interest as to what we choose for ourselves and our children. Companies prey on our desire for healthy choices for ourselves and our kids and disguise additives and processed foods as “good for you” products with programs like the Health Check! I will use this information in my teachings and will post this information wherever possible! Posted by: Christina Barrett-Arcangioli | Jan 23, 08 08:09 PM

I had noticed the symbol and like many assumed that if it was there it must be a product that is reasonably healthy. I will definitely think twice when I see the Health Check now... I am very disturbed by the fact that they are attempting to become the sole rating system for Canadian consumers, and a mediocre one at that! I hope that Health Canada really do their homework on this one and DENY the HSF their request! The Heart and Stroke Foundation just lost a supporter! Posted by: Natalie | Jan 23, 08 08:09 PM

This is the letter I just sent to H&S: You are the Health police... I just watched Marketplace, Dissapointed in you , since I first saw the H&S check I have been buying only those products, without looking at the labels and comparing. I counted on you to do that I have always supported your organization, and purchased the lottery tickets..you can kiss my $100.00 good bye. I will hope that the government stops you from using the check. Posted by: doug | Jan 23, 08 08:13 PM

Thanks for an informative program. We must be more skeptical of all those health check logos on EVERYTHING. It would be more believable if they were more selective. Check the salt content on a single serving hot cereal. Each package contains enough salt to build pillars! Infants and young children are being fed this quick solution instead of actually taking the time to prepare a healthy meal. I will be ignoring the health check logo and doing my own decision making. The Heart and Stroke foundation must believe our health is for sale. Posted by: Marni Smith | Jan 23, 08 08:13 PM

I really appreciated your segment on foods marked with a health check from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. You confirmed my instincts! I do read labels and it did not sit well with me when comparing foods with the check mark, which I would not buy after looking at the label, versus some foods I considered healthy with no check mark. Thank-you for confirming my thoughts and I hope many people see this as a FALSE sense of security. Posted by: Rita Taddeo | Jan 23, 08 08:13 PM

Thank you!!! Your show on The Heart and Stroke Foundations 'Health Check' has opened many people's eyes I'm sure! When the commercial aired about Cambell's soup having reduced its salt and getting the 'wonderful check' I had to laugh. it has been many years since these products have entered my shopping cart due to their salt content and preservatives. I was also stunned when the representative for The Heart & Stroke made the comment about sugar not being a health risk. I wonder why diabetes in children is reaching an all time high then? I feel that this foundation's requirements are in need of a serious overhaul and are not helping the health of our country at all. Posted by: Hilary | Jan 23, 08 08:16 PM

My Nanny would never have eaten 3/4 of what is in grocery stores today. We live in a world full of non-food products being advertised as healthy. People need to realize that they have been manipulated and misled by the marketing moguls of the food processing industry and take responsibility for their own health. This means getting educated on what good nutrition truly means. Posted by: Gwyn | Jan 23, 08 08:21 PM

Thank you very much for this enlighenting information. I have in the past 6 months paid closer attention to sodium, sugar, and fat content in prepared foods. I have recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol and this is my reason for checking food items more closely. Strangely enough, low-fat, light, calorie-wise, may not necessarily mean less. In some cases there is more salt or sugar added to these items. I am not pleased with the Heart & Stroke approach to better health. We individuals are ultimately responsible for our own health, but it would be nice to have a little help from such organizations we count on, and look to, for support. Posted by: Ann | Jan 23, 08 08:22 PM

The Heart and Stroke Foundation just lost a regular donor. I'm disgusted by what I saw on the show. Killing us with their love... Posted by: Bob | Jan 23, 08 08:23 PM

I will admit that I too was fooled by the Healthcheck symbol ... I thought the H&S Foundation based their decisions solely on the nutritional merits of foods and would approve only foods that would lower our risks for heart attacks and strokes through better food choices. I understand that it takes money to test foods however this was entirely the wrong way to do it. This looks EXTREMELY bad on H&S. Posted by: Rob | Jan 23, 08 08:24 PM

Quite a scam the Heart & Stroke foundation (H&SF) have going, sell your reputation and in effect contribute to the disease your claim you are trying to combat. This expose has made me rethink the amount of credence I give to this type of branding; the H&SF should be ashamed of themselves. Instead of admitting that the jig was up when cornered by the journalist the H&SF spokesperson continued to dig herself deeper into the cholesterol filled hole she dug during the interview. In the past I have contributed to the H&SF yearly lottery, never again. They have lost my trust, my confidence and above all the thing that means most to them, my money. Lets not forget the food companies' part in this scam. They knowingly purchased the rights to put the health check symbol on their product. I can only protest in the only way I know how, I will not purchase any product with the health check symbol. As far as I’m concerned they may as well brand it with the skull and crossbones. Posted by: JB | Jan 23, 08 08:25 PM

I was really shocked when watching the program. I didn't think the HSF representative made a good argument against Wendy Mesley. It goes to show that reading the labels pays off. Posted by: Sarah | Jan 23, 08 08:28 PM

I tend to read labels carefully and was first alerted to the Health Check sleaze when I read the fine print on a Weber's hamburger package about a year ago. I read between the lines and left the package in the store. I consider this type of corporate bribery as criminal and compliment you on your diligent search for truth and accountability. No doubt your program will hurt fundraising efforts of the Heart & Stroke Foundation in the short term but so be it..You have uncovered a much deeper problem and in the long run we'll all be grateful. Hopefully they'll rethink their real priorities. Posted by: Don Miller | Jan 23, 08 08:30 PM

Let me be the first to criticize this show. People, don't think you are getting balanced journalism here. Marketplace MO... come up with an extreme thesis and then go out and find people to support it, like Yoni Frehof. Would love to hear from dietitians on this whole subject. AND I encourage everyone who posted to do their own research and not rely on Wendy Mesley's version of the "truth". Posted by: Brigit Valley | Jan 23, 08 08:42 PM

Great job again busting out another organization / foundation / government bureaucrat or department. This time the Heart & Stroke Foundation - Boy, do they think that we're really dumb or what? Just because they give themselves a check mark and the all clear "if we say it's good for the public" attitude. I say not so fast and how dare you! Just like your segment about "Made in Canada" Yeah right - everything is made where/what ever is cheapest; laws broken and people used - Ah money - the root of all evil! Posted by: Patricia Weigt | Jan 23, 08 08:43 PM

Just watched your informative program on food and the Heart and Stroke " Healthy Food label ". I am an Ontario Grains and Oilseeds farmer and work darn hard at producing healthy, nutritious crops. I read labels in the grocery store and cannot believe how much some food companies can screw up a good product with salt, sugar and the wrong kind of fat or oil. But now to learn that companies can buy their way to a healthy Heart and Stroke label just makes me mad. I have paid my last dollar to that group. Health Canada needs to get their act together with labeling but they are likely too afraid to stand up to the big food companies. Posted by: David | Jan 23, 08 08:43 PM

I'd like to respond to Arlene who says that a food labeled as "low" doesn't mean you shouldn't eat it...you don't have to be overweight or obese to have a cholesterol problem. I went on two different cholesterol medications and the second gave me liver problems (my enzymes went out of whack) so after a series of blood tests over a period of weeks and months, my liver finally returned to normal. For me, low or no fat will be a part of my life choices as to food. That's what a N/P suggested and to keep my cholesterol at a healthy level...I can't afford to fall of the bandwagon...it's that simple with no ifs, ands or buts....not for me. Posted by: Carol MaryAnne Harrison | Jan 23, 08 08:45 PM

Thanks for showing us how weak the Health check of the Heart and Stroke Foundation label is. I still have a high opinion of the organization overall, but the "heath check" is a blot on their reputation. In addition to the criticisms you offered, I found more in reviewing their website. Many of the criteria are qualitative only. "Low fat" means nothing. There should be objective criteria. Also, the serving sizes they quote are a joke. VERY few people eat such small servings. Finally, I see that the H&S web site shows all fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs as being compliant. I never see labels on such items. Do they not pay the fee? Seems the HeathCheck program fails to follow the H&S criteria. Posted by: Neil McCubbin | Jan 23, 08 08:56 PM

Thanks so much for your indepth look at the Health and Stroke Foundation's Health Check. I have often made choices in the grocery store based on the health check symbol, however I am now confident that I will not depend on it again! No rating system will be 100% perfect, but one that only rates those that contribute financially should not be considered the best standard for all of Canada. Posted by: Debbie | Jan 23, 08 09:00 PM

Thanks for the great program-Heart and Stroke has dropped the ball once again-as has our government in the dept of Health Canada. Why would Heart and Stroke brand its logo on unhealthy food? Gee, if no one actually had heart attacks or strokes they would be out of business, right? No Logo people, logos are not to be trusted. Posted by: Connie Flagler | Jan 23, 08 09:05 PM

I just finished watching this week's episode and all I can say is WOW! I am totally disgusted with the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Rather than show a real interest in providing vital information to busy and health concerned consumers they've chosen to go another route. I had no idea that they were doing this and it has totally changed my views of the organization. As I watched their representative speak to Wendy, all I could do was laugh. The spin that she was trying to put on things was disgusting. While I try to check the nutritional labels of the foods that I'm purchasing, there are times where I've picked certain products based on the fact that they have the Health Check symbol. Where am I trying to go with this rant, I'm not sure. It's time for the Heart and Stroke Foundation to re-think their program, and for the government to consider something like the ONQI program. THe ONQI system made sense - I'd love to see something like that. Something that gives those that are trying to live better a better understanding of what they are actually purchasing. Posted by: Danno | Jan 23, 08 09:06 PM

I can't believe the the H & S don;t use all the criteria in their reviews (sodium, sugar and fat) content are so important numbers in our diets and that they would endorse so many processed foods. I believe that processed foods are the underlying factors to a lot of health problems especially in our children. They had better get a new panel and improve their standards. I will not canvass for them in the future if they continue to sell their logo. Posted by: Margaret | Jan 23, 08 09:12 PM

What a huge disappointment to see that the HSFC has sold out to large food corporations. What HSFC is doing is helping these companies market processed foods that, based on your program, seem to do the exact opposite of what they advertise! They are doing this for a number of "select" large food companies whose "healthy" advertising budgets can afford to, in effect, "bribe" the HSFC! The "Health Check" program infers to other companies, who have not bought in, that if you do not subscribe, then there is a good chance that your products' sales will suffer as consumers are "conned' into buying products that have "bought" the Heart Check symbol. These food companies are using ingredients like certain fats, sugars and salt, in large doses, to improve the taste especially for young kids! This is a disgrace. I was so angry when I saw the huge quantities of salts and sugars used in the children's foods you looked at, that I was literally speechless with anger! These ingredients are the exact ones that the HSFC rails against for heart disease yet they hypocritically promote them for the big buck - what a sell out! Your interview totally took Ms. Brown to task and she had no answers to your direct questions. She proved to be a total embarrassment for the HSFC with her inept, vague and misleading answers! She should resign immediately and so should the clowns in HSFC who thought this terrible program up! The Healthy Check program is a joke and totally misleads consumers as shown in your interviews. It is based on a biased sample. No medical professional or credible organization should embrace such a flawed program, but money talks! I have always given donations and supported the HSFC lottery, but no more, or at least not until this program is scrapped or applied to all products without "donations". Posted by: Robert Snowden | Jan 23, 08 09:16 PM

I've been buying a lot of my food in the States recently because of the high sodium content in the same foods here in Canada (Campbells products, Kraft etc.) The quality of prepared foods in Canada is truly is appalling and shame on the Heart and Stroke foundation for taking what amounts to bribes to supply these companies with a "health check" symbol. Talk about an oxymoron! Posted by: Lorraine | Jan 23, 08 09:17 PM

I am very upset that a foundation who's mission is to prevent Heart and Stroke disease would endorse unhealthy choices in return for monetary gain. Instead of preventing disease they appear to be contributing to heart and stroke disease by endorsing these unhealthy food choices. Heart and Stroke are accepted by many people as the standard for obtaining health and wellness. In my opinion the integrity of the foundation is in question after watching this show. Posted by: Carole Morey | Jan 23, 08 09:30 PM

Wow what a disappointment. I often use that health check to help me pick items to buy. What an eye opener! Posted by: Aimee Hudson | Jan 23, 08 09:59 PM

Sensationalist journalism, I think not. But the story was not balanced either. Question the US source of comparison - there does not exist a US system to provide awareness or education to the consumer. They were retail not manufacturer based and one has to wonder who is funding their research etc. This was not addressed in the piece. The Health Check symbol and the Heart and Stroke Foundation works with manufacturers to reformulate to improve healthy choices. Do you really think they would have done it on their own? Given that no standards exist, to date, Health Check does indeed provide a valuable service to customers seeking healthier choices. The piece everyone seems to have missed is that Health Check is reviewing standards and working with manufacturers to phase in. I don't see any other governing body providing education and direction for manufacturers. As an aside, the $ generated from the program support research, anybody else doing that? Posted by: AJ | Jan 23, 08 10:02 PM

I am stunned at what I learned tonight on Marketplace with regards to the Health and Stroke seal of approval! Please advise me as to whom I can contact to express my concern and disappointment in a label that I had trusted, not knowing what I now know. The Heart and Stroke needs to be inundated with calls from all of us over this information. Posted by: Rita | Jan 23, 08 10:06 PM

In the recent year I have spent more time reading labels and have changed my purchase habits quite a bit. After seeing the other scoring programs that are out there I am hopeful that in the future we will have a more objective, comprehensive system in place to help people stay healthy in the growing world of processed food. I find it astonishing that The Heart and Stroke Foundation can support a product with over 600 mg of sodium per serving. Those suffering from heart disease are being mislead, possibly with serious consequences. Thank you once again, great story! Posted by: Rhonda Masek | Jan 23, 08 10:06 PM

I am shocked, disappointed, disgusted and furious. I will not be canvassing for Heart & Stroke again until they get their act cleaned up. Shame on them. Read the labels folks - until we get a testing system with integrity such as the ones introduced in the United States. Posted by: S.MacKay | Jan 23, 08 10:09 PM

Shame, shame on the Heart and Stroke Foundation, putting the health of Canadians at risk for the almighty dollar! We the Canadian public have been duped again. This is outrageous! I hope everyone does their part and thinks twice before putting their health in the hands of that little red check mark. Buy organic and hit these companies where it hurts them most: in the wallet! Posted by: M.A. Schroer | Jan 23, 08 10:13 PM

I am disgusted with the Heart and Stroke Foundation. If this was in the United States, I am sure someone would be suing them for misleading the public. I would suggest everyone that watched this program voice your opinion loud and clear to your local MP and the Health Minister. Posted by: Jo M. | Jan 23, 08 10:14 PM

I don't think the Heart & Stroke nutritionist got a fair shake. I think her point was: If you are buying a specific product, the "checked" products met their criteria. McCain fries are a better choice than the others with higher sodium and fat. No one in their right mind would think that fries are a substitute for vegetables. Are there more than one brands that qualify in the same category? If not, that would support your criticisms. Also, sugar alternatives are not always a great idea. Aspartame (NutraSweet) can cause migraines and a myriad of other health problems so grading based on sugar sounds biased. 10% of aspartame breaks down into methanol in your small intestine. After it is absorbed, much of that methanol is rapidly converted into formaldehyde. With the possible exception of weight loss (aspartame makes some people excessively hungry), sugar is still the smartest choice in moderation. It's awesome that you're looking out for Canadians and exploring other alternatives. You made the Heart & Stroke Foundation think. Posted by: Sam in Eden Mills | Jan 23, 08 10:15 PM

I was shocked to learn of The Heart and Stroke Association would endorse HEALTH Check on so many food products that are not nutritional especially for children. People are going to have to get back to do more home cooking . Since I stopped eating salt, my blood pressure went from 130 to 114. We are all eating far too many prepared foods. It is so simple to make soups, stews and other much loved foods. While tasting great home prepared food is much more healthy. I raised a big family while holding a full time job, but I made time for home cooking because I knew the value of not having additives in the children's meals. Posted by: jean | Jan 23, 08 10:17 PM

Wow I was totally shocked by the wishy washy attitude of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Promoting soup with over 600 mg of sodium? I am so tired as a consumer having to worry about everyone's claims. It all started with the Marketplace episode about "food origins" and false claims of "Made in Canada". I am afraid to buy fish now because I don't know the origin of it. Can't anyone be honest and up front in this world? Let me make an informed decision with ACCURATE information. Shame on you Heart & Stroke Foundation. You of all people should have the most stringent criteria for what Canadians are consuming. Posted by: Lisa Carefoot | Jan 23, 08 10:21 PM

Thanks for a great program. The foods examined in your show tonight are all processed products, and the research on the health check logo simply reinforces my existing habit of making virtually all of my meals from scratch, using as many fresh vegetables, fruits and grains as possible. Sure it takes more time, but I make that time because it's important to me and my family. To respond to Don Miller's warning not to believe what's on Marketplace, anyone wanting more information on healthy diet choices might have a look at Becoming Vegetarian, by Vesanto Melina and Brenda Davis. This Canadian-written book provides an amazing wealth of information on every aspect of nutrition, including what our daily needs are. This makes it much easier to read those labels in the stores instead of relying on a now-tainted red check mark. Posted by: Thom | Jan 23, 08 10:27 PM

Shame on the the H&SF! You sold our trust! I am a label reader first and foremost and as I don't eat a lot of processed food the check never made a difference to me. However a lot of people who put their faith in the mark unwittingly put their health in jeopardy out of misplaced trust. Health Canada needs to come up with a system and if they give the job to H&SF it will have no credibility now. As per usual Marketplace gets people talking and opens their eyes to the reality of life today. Profit ahead of People. After just reading about the H&SF's huge income and little payout and now this - they are dust in the wind. Posted by: Marion | Jan 23, 08 10:33 PM

Since childhood I have suffered from obesity & have struggled with food labels, that is until two years ago when I finally learned how to read labels properly from my doctor when my blood pressure was high. I thought I was eating healthy & I remember buying 'healthy labeled products". I discovered the biggest reason for my BP was all the hidden salt I was consuming from these so called healthy products. I no longer focus just on the calories/fat but focus on the salt & sugar which are worse for you. The fact that the HSF promotes such unhealthy food products, well its no wonder Canada is facing an obesity epidemic. Since I've learned to read the labels & ignore any 'health check' I've managed to lose 160+ lbs & I prepare practically everything from fresh. The little extra time it takes to learn to read labels & to cook properly can save your life. Literally!! From my own experience, you cannot trust these organizations with your life, you need to take charge because there is always going to be some vulture waiting for a handout. Posted by: Anne | Jan 23, 08 10:47 PM

I am horrified. I wouldn't trust anything with their symbol on it. I usually flip the product over and check the nutrition information. I find that I trust that information more than any claims made on the box. I think their symbol is about as trustworthy as the "Product of Canada" What a crock that is too. Posted by: Michele Robinson | Jan 23, 08 11:00 PM

Hi. Great show. Thanks for bringing this farce to light. It's very annoying because although I have been in the habit of checking labels for sodium, saturated fat and sugar, I used the Health Logo check logo as a way to save time and grab something feeling confident that it had the logo. I did start to wonder when those vacuum sealed roast beefs had the health check. I bought one once, ate it and felt like every ounce of liquid in my body was being sucked dry. Too much salt. It seems unbelievable that companies could pay to have this and we've not heard about this before. Posted by: Gayle | Jan 23, 08 11:05 PM

I caught the end end of your show on the heart and stroke's checkmark label. As I am sure we all try to choose the best food for ourselves and our families I was interested to find out that "labels" don't necessarily mean what you think they mean. I have always been cautious when it comes to "special" labels which claim to be the healthier choice. The show just made me realize that you still need to compare products and pick the right one for you! Posted by: Angela | Jan 23, 08 11:06 PM

The bottom line is the bottom line. Charity is big business now. They hire business to promote them. Who doesn't get unsolicited cards, stickers, etc. in the mail? Who hasn't had their name and address sold to other charities? I've personally stopped donating to any "health" related charity because I see too much self promotion and not enough prevention. Years ago I was told by a doctor who had worked with a cancer research project that they fudged the results so they would get more funding. Who do you trust? Yourself. Do the research. People are basically lazy which is what these programs take advantage of. See a check mark don't bother to look for yourself. They should be teaching people to eat whole foods instead of this instant *()&^ which has only been on the shelves in the last century. It takes a little more effort but the results are worth it! Posted by: Cathy | Jan 23, 08 11:06 PM

Well well well isn't that interesting. There are many programs within the food industry I believe are using the desire of the Canadian comsumer to improve their health choices and therefore their health. What a disappointment to see the Heart and Stroke foundation "selling out" their label and basically condoning the the misleading claims of the companies willing to pay into the program. Posted by: Linda Lantz | Jan 23, 08 11:07 PM

I have two small girls and am concerned about their nutrition. I have seen the Health Check symbol on the things I buy and thought "OK I am making the right choice". The other day, I saw a Campbell Soup ad with the Health Check symbol and thought that they must have really changed their sodium content to get that endorsement as I had been told by a dietitian that the amount of sodium in their soup was extremely high. I have avoided canned and packaged soups as a result but thought if the Heart & Stroke Foundation says it is OK, then maybe I would buy them. I am furious that their symbol can be purchased; where is the objectivity? The representative's comment about sugar not being that bad is garbage and certainly brings into question their criteria. I will avoid that symbol in the future. Yes, I might be busy and this will take more time but my family's health is more important. Posted by: Laura | Jan 23, 08 11:09 PM

The Heart and Stroke Foundation should be ashamed of themselves. Obviously the Health Check System is just a money-making scheme to keep themselves in operation. The big-business food lobby wins again?! I for one will never give their organization another dime. Posted by: Michael | Jan 23, 08 11:10 PM

All I can say is thank you. I was horrified to hear that the Health Check symbol was for sale. While I can't say that I specially purchased food based on the symbol if I was ever torn between items I would have picked the one with the symbol. Well NEVER again, you have altered my shopping practices for good. Posted by: Teresa | Jan 23, 08 11:11 PM

One thing about Campbell's soups, one of the products with a Health Check, is that they all have significant amounts of MSG. Maybe the negative health effects of MSG are not universally accepted, but from what I have read it is something to be avoided, for several reasons. Just google it. As for heart disease and strokes specifically, I have often seen the warning that: "People with hypertension are advised to avoid MSG and other sources of sodium." As for the Heart and Stoke Foundation, a search of MSG on their website merely says: "Nothing found". No opinion on MSG from them I guess... no corporate money means no opinion!! Posted by: Kevin Kvisle | Jan 23, 08 11:12 PM

Even after watching Marketplace, I am a supporter of the Heart & Stroke check program. Having said that, I also know that Canadians need a lot more education when it comes to making healthy food choices. I found Wendy's style of interviewing the H & S Dietitian very offensive. Wendy constantly interrupted her, and was downright confrontational! Wendy didn't use the same style with the other people interviewed when they were explaining their rating systems. I would like Marketplace to help raise awareness for us, but in a more objective way, and skip the dramatics! Posted by: Marilyn Charles (retired dietitian) | Jan 23, 08 11:16 PM

I think the story about Health Check and the alternate healthy eating criteria systems goes to show how complicated it is to "rate" various food products. As a Registered Dietitian in Canada and having worked on developing criteria for vended snack foods I know first hand that it is no easy task and involves making hard decisions about how to rate and quantify limits for salt, sugar, fat, fibre etc. It is also difficult to assign an order of importance when it comes to sugar, salt, fat, fibre etc. Some may debate that fat is more important than sugar while others may say that higher fibre deserves a higher profile. The Heart and Stroke foundation's health check program has been in existence for quite some time in Canada, and was here long before some of the various "Healthy Stars" and other American rating systems. While I don't assert that Heart and Stroke's current system is the best rating system compared to all of the versions that exist, I do think we need to recognize the contributions it has made to our food system so far and I do agree with Heart and Stroke that it is encouraging manufacturers to "move in the right direction". The recent announcement that Heart and Stroke is augmenting its rating system to include limits for trans fat is good news and a step in the right direction. Posted by: veronica | Jan 23, 08 11:20 PM

I feel betrayed by Heart and Stoke Foundation. This organization is there to protect and inform the public about cardiovascular health not to increase cardiovascular disease. The spokesperson did further harm with inappropriate, if not ridiculous defensiveness. Posted by: janet rayner thorn | Jan 23, 08 11:26 PM

Thank you very much for that episode, well done! I am a Registered Dietitian and I always tell my clients not to use the health check because it does not necessarily mean healthy! It is a business and I actually have a low fat natural 7% M.F cheese called Essential so originally I applied for that check, however, when I found out that it would cost $1500 I said forget it. I then started to investigate the rest of their products and realized most of them are not really healthy. Posted by: Ali J. Chernoff, www.energyessentials24-7.com | Jan 23, 08 11:26 PM

I do not buy any processed food but pity those who do and are duped into thinking that they are doing something good for their heart. Once again one has to think for themselves and not trust business (yes foundations are business) to serve their health. It is all in the name they are stroke not anti-stroke foundation. Posted by: Dorota Budziszewska | Jan 23, 08 11:50 PM

To Carol MaryAnne's point: Let me point out that neither Health Check nor any other such programs claim to make nutritional recommendations for those with special dietary needs. The HSF made a terrible representation of themselves on this show, yes, but the point is that the onus is on the consume to make an informed decision. Regarding that, if you need to limit your cholesterol/sodium intake to X amount, then read those labels and be diligent about it. I spoke only on general terms to those without special dietary needs. Regardless, one cannot generalize nutrition for the entire population, and this is the problem with Health Check, which tries to be too many things to too many people. What is so difficult about turning a box to the side and skimming over the nutrition? You should all note that this terrible program by the HSF is only one of many activities it conducts. The foundation raises and invests MILLIONS of dollars into research and other positive programs. They've obviously over-stepped their bounds by entering into bed with big food. But PLEASE, let's take a step back and not be extremists here, we cannot simply dismiss all the other extremely positive work this organization does. Posted by: Arlene | Jan 23, 08 11:58 PM

Why would you not get the Centre for Science in the Public Interest to weigh in on the present state of our food health ratings? Why did you go to American grocery folks for input? Why not any dietitians? Canadian ones preferably. As for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, I still believe in much of the work they do, but maybe should scrap their health check program and work at retaining their more respected areas of good work. Posted by: Sheryl Wagner | Jan 24, 08 12:20 AM

I feel it is time for Health Canada and scientists to inform the public of healthy or dangerous foods and we must not depend on independent organizations, such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to do this. There are few packaged or canned foods mentioned on the Canada Food Guide so a start has been made. Posted by: Laura Wells | Jan 24, 08 12:25 AM

Shame on you! You claim that Health Check is not being truthful, but anyone can see that your reporting is at best a serious distortion of the truth. You bullied the representative from the Heart and Stroke Foundation with your one-sided reporting and cast a shadow over the great work that organization delivers. While the Health Check system is clearly not perfect, it is designed to help consumers make healthier choices by endorsing products that meet very specific nutritional criteria. They do not claim that the products are the "healthiest" choices, nor are they attempting to hide the fact that these companies pay a fee for their service. It is a cost recovery model and no one would expect the Heart and Stroke foundation to utilize donations to support this service. Who do you think is paying for the Hannaford points program? The retailer would be recovering those costs from their own customers through increased prices. If the Heart and Stroke foundation loses any donations due to your biased reporting, I think you should be ashamed. Stick to the facts and let the other side of the story come through next time. Posted by: Don | Jan 24, 08 12:33 AM

Another scam busted open by the CBC. Great job. My mother and I agree that we will no longer support the Heart & Stroke Foundation. You can't trust them. Their nutrition expert's feeble attempt at explaining was pathetic. The fact is the sooner we get back to a real food vs processed food diet the healthier we'll be and the poorer those big companies will be. Posted by: Susan | Jan 24, 08 01:05 AM

As a Nurse educating my patients on healthy choices I often direct them for education from the H and S Foundation. Truly this report was great insight for me to hear how they are really "sellouts" and would jeopardize consumer’s health just for a buck. With our children in Canada fighting obesity and diabetes how irresponsible of them and disappointing. I too like many donate to the foundation but am so appalled I would never think they were like one of those sell out charities only out to make a dollar. What shocked me even more is how arrogant their representative was to just keep repeating they stand behind the logo products. I was just sitting there hoping she would say "We are concerned with what your research is saying and we will look into it". But she would not back down, once again making the foundation seem incompetent. Posted by: Sharon | Jan 24, 08 01:14 AM

That the H & S Foundation can treat sugar like a non-issue is shocking. Thank you for this eye-opening feature. Probably the best advice for healthy eating is to avoid processed food as much as possible. Bright, unnatural colours are probably a good indication on both the packaging and definitely the food itself. I'd like to see more representation for often unnecessary ingredients like preservatives, colours, and chemicals. For over thirty years it's been known that food additives can affect children to the point of ADD/ADHD diagnosis and yet nothing is being done. (Unaddressed food sensitivity can cause unfavourable behavioural effects too.) Personally I am highly sensitive to soy and red dyes; both make me very sick. I found it ironic but typical that they would want one standard food guide for all Canadians. It doesn't work that way because we're all different, and anyone who has read some Marion Nestle knows that well. There is way more confusion about what we should be eating than there ought to be, which is why trustworthy, unbiased health labeling programs are so important these days. What's the point of one that only judges some foods and not others? I'd also like to see the Canadian Cancer Society and BC Cancer Agency/Foundation acknowledge the clear, demonstrated benefits of organic food. Compare any jar of non-organic with organic tomato sauce to see the difference. Same with potatoes. If people make more effort in planning their meals, they could greatly reduce their processed food intake and save money, too. That's the best bet for eating healthy and living better. Unfortunately, processing is "value added" and in parts of the US, processed food is becoming "less expensive" than fresh vegetables when it should be the opposite. Posted by: Erika Rathje | Jan 24, 08 02:04 AM

I was VERY disappointed in the "Heart & Stroke Foundation". My husband has a heart condition and I make a point of shopping for the items with the "check" on them, thinking I am making a good choice for his health. I do read labels BUT not on the health check items because I trusted the heart & stroke foundation. To me this is false advertising and very misleading. I will certainly be thinking twice before I donate again to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Posted by: Gayle A. Gibbs | Jan 24, 08 07:08 AM

Hurray! Finally someone has proven to me that the Heart and Stroke Check on food products are actually misleading. I felt this for years but had no concrete knowledge that it was true, and now I know. How can a product with up to 500 mg of sodium, and more, be good for anyone when the total daily recommended amount is around 2,200 or so. Some products with their logo represent 25% of someone's daily intake of salt. This is unconscionable. I also thought when it came to food labeling that Canada was a leader, not after Marketplace last night when it showed two companies in the US who actually show the true nutritional value of what you are buying. Posted by: George MacLeod | Jan 24, 08 07:40 AM

The CBC has slandered the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Do your homework people. A food company has to apply to the HSF to get the label, and they pay a registration fee. The HSF isn't randomly labeling food. Its all clearly explained on their web-site. Those US systems are for specialty grocery stores, high end ones. Not a fair comparison, bad journalism. It sickens me. Posted by: Peter griffin | Jan 24, 08 07:46 AM

I feel I have been duped! I have been trusting the logo for years - Pretty much everything I buy has the logo. Had I known companies paid to use the logo and how the health check rated items compared poorly to other rating systems, I would not have trusted the Heart & Stroke Foundation logo so blindly. When I buy a can of soup, I want to buy the one which is most healthy - regardless of price - so it is unfortunate that I cannot trust the logo anymore. I wish the healthiest products were clearly identified & that we could TRUST they are the healthiest. Posted by: Nathalie | Jan 24, 08 08:01 AM

We as consumers, through advertising, have been brainwashed into thinking that a charity as large and reputable as the Heart and Stroke Foundation would never compromise their standards for money. How wrong we were! Read those labels people! It's the only way to know what we are really getting in our food! Posted by: Elizabeth Prosser | Jan 24, 08 08:19 AM

Could you not have mentioned one redeeming feature of the Heart & Stroke Foundation to counterbalance all your negative comments? As a committed volunteer for the organization for eighteen years, I felt that you totally ignored all of us who give so much to an organization that is continuously saving lives. My husband is a perfect example of someone who has been living a wonderful quality of live because of all the research teams funded by donations to the Heart & Stroke Organization. While agreeing with you that some items with the heart check are STILL not good for consumers; the bottom line is they must be better than a lot of other items next to them on the shelves. Hopefully we all will find a happy medium. Following others through the grocery aisles, I am still convinced that some of the heart check foods would be fifty percent better than all those WHITE and EMPTY nutritional products we see in other carts. Posted by: Wendy e Bateman | Jan 24, 08 08:39 AM

I was so outraged after watching the show I immediately sent an email to the Heart & Stroke Foundation telling they should be ashamed of themselves. I copied their PR rep as well. This is unacceptable for a non-profit and they should be held accountable. I will be making darn sure none of my donation dollars go to them in future and will be ignoring the advice on food choices. Posted by: Cindy | Jan 24, 08 08:46 AM

Like most people here, I do feel a little cheated. Seeing the health-check logo on cookies and french fries didn't make me think they were 'healthy' per say, but made me think that if I want cookies, these are probably the best option... after watching Marketplace I am very disturbed to find out that sure they are best option of the one company that pays for the logo! The logo has just lost all creditability for me. Even if they do become the one standard, it's a useless standard ... Oh, and on another note, how foolish did that dietitian look? I would be so embarrassed if I was her, or a colleague. Posted by: Joe Elliott | Jan 24, 08 08:50 AM

Wow, another bulls-eye! Congrats on your thorough expose on just another supposed "public trust" gone dumb or naive or..... Shame on the H & S Foundation. Did they not see the glaring conflict of interest? Of course they did; and chased the money. Shame! Marketplace, keep up your good work of shaking consumers out of their warm but blind tryst with big business. Don't get me wrong; Business is good, but it will naturally always find new marketing schemes, and if it involves others so be it. The vigilance in this case should be especially by the "public trusts" Come on folks use the "smell test." Posted by: Ian in Ottawa | Jan 24, 08 09:53 AM

I was annoyed and appalled at the lack of ethics by the Heart and Stroke Association. The following is the note that I forwarded to them - it is important that everyone make it clear to them that they do not condone this fraud: email I sent: I have just viewed online the Marketplace story. I am appalled at the lack of ethics being upheld by Heart and Stroke. This is ridiculous that you are in such a very obvious conflict of interest with corporations with your Health Check system. From the interview it is very clear that you are not steering us to a healthy living and I am annoyed and frustrated that I cannot trust an organization that I upheld to a high moral standard. Shame on you! Posted by: Nora | Jan 24, 08 09:59 AM

I was totally shocked to hear about what I would call a "label scam" by the Heart and Stroke organization. My hat is off to Ms. Mesley and Dr. Yoni Freedman. I will be sure to tell 2 people, who will tell 2 people, and they will tell 2 people.... this is very bad news for the integrity of the Heart and Stroke organization and I would think a Public Relations nightmare. Posted by: Janet van den Heuvel | Jan 24, 08 10:02 AM

After watching your "Health Check" program and viewing their web site, I am thrilled that the HSF will be receiving money from their associated food producers. That means I no longer have to support them with an annual donation. Shame on what I thought was a legitimate, caring organization. The question now arises," if they scammed us on Health Check, what else have they scammed us on?" Posted by: Mike Mahoney | Jan 24, 08 10:33 AM

I watched Marketplace last night and immediately after when switching to the Fox Channel there was a commercial for Campbell’s Soup. They now have 25% less SALT. I guess this program wasn’t too up to date. Also why didn’t they talk about some of the products that are good for us? Believe me we have a FAT generation because people eat to much processed food. I would be disgusted if I went to my children's house and saw only what you showed on TV!! I am totally against the ONQ1 rating when a banana is only 91 out of a 100. There is no perfect food. I believe the Heart and Stroke does a good job and yes they have to be paid. Posted by: Chris Skillen | Jan 24, 08 10:53 AM

Thank you for your excellent piece on the Health Check label. It sounds like there are some obvious conclusions: raise the bar (lower the important numbers), include all food products and keep it neutral. Along a similar vein, cosmetics products are using a comparable method to market their wares. For example, I don’t think you can purchase a sun screen that doesn’t have the “dermatologist recommend” or often a CDA/ACD logo. It’s a given that dermatologists recommend sun screen, but do they necessarily recommend this one in particular? I doubt it. I see the Canadian Cancer Society has a “Working Together” label on a sun block product in my cabinet. How much did Neutrogena pay for that I wonder? On another note, what about that “hypoallergenic” label on so many things from skin creams to bed linens, even pets? Does it really have any meaning and is it provable? Posted by: Agnes | Jan 24, 08 11:12 AM

Don't be duped Folks. Not a penny from those food companies goes to the Heart & Stroke coffers. Food companies pay for administration and consumer awareness of the Health Check program--- and not one of your donor dollars goes to it. Relax and enjoy. Though not perfect, Health Check is a pretty good director to healthier food products. Posted by: Andra | Jan 24, 08 11:26 AM

How can the Heart and Stroke Foundation possibly endorse those foods that were found to be either full of sugar, salt or fat? I only saw the last segment of your show and I was amazed at the attitude of the lady representing the Foundation- she was very defensive and answered your questions vaguely with a "couldn't care less" attitude. It now looks like the foundation obviously receives money from companies to endorse their foods without any thought as to the quality. I'd like to see that criteria she mentioned- the bar must be pretty low. Posted by: Carol Mac Eachern | Jan 24, 08 11:29 AM

Good muckraking last night on the Health Check system. I always thought it was a bunch of crap. Posted by: Krystyl Nickarz | Jan 24, 08 11:31 AM

And organizations wonder why people are tired of donating their hard-earned dollars to their cause. I feel used. The Heart and Stroke Foundation has sold us out to whoever wants to pay (to a maximum amount, according to their website). You know the sad thing about this is that there are real people with serious heart ailments and the funding that the Heart and Stroke Foundation generally gets for research is going to suffer because of someone's bad "marketing idea". Heart and Stroke Foundation: you can't be impartial when you are getting paid. See below for an example; If Toyota gave me a brand new car....guess what, they are the best manufacturer in the world! Lesson over...get it? Hope so. Posted by: Jacqui Gillespie | Jan 24, 08 12:06 PM

I watched your program last night about the Heart and Stroke Foundation's food rating program. Thank you so much for investigating their claims and airing the show. Recently I had decided to choose the products showing their logo, believing they must be the healthiest choices - I didn't think I needed to concern myself with the ingredients of those products because the Heart and Stroke Foundation logo was on them, meaning they were the best choice for a healthy heart. Upon learning they are paid by the companies supplying the products, and after listening to their representative defending their actions, I will no longer trust or purchase products with their logo. Under no circumstances should any organization receiving funding from food manufacturers be given control of setting the standards of Canada's Food Guide. That would be completely irresponsible of the government. Posted by: Jacquie Rafuse | Jan 24, 08 12:07 PM

I am so glad to see the fraud that has been perpetrated on the Canadian consumer by what is essentially a 'big business foundation' has finally been uncovered. I only hope that more TV stations will report on this to educate as many consumers as possible. It is unfortunate that what we believe to be charitable foundations are in reality marketing tools for big pharma and food industry. People would be shocked to learn where their donation money really goes. Posted by: Dianne | Jan 24, 08 12:07 PM

I enjoyed the show on the health check endorsement by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. I am appalled to think that they would find it necessary to receive money from food companies to fund their campaign, to protect the Canadian people from having Heart Problems. This health check program is a terrible way to "promote" good health for the Canadian people. The other thing that concerns me is why did you have to go to the "USA" for their info. on our Canadian products? We are not part of the USA. Do we not have an organization here in Canada, to evaluate our own products, and why did they not get involved in helping you do this program? Posted by: Ann | Jan 24, 08 12:14 PM

Stop bashing HSF - at least they are trying! Start lobbying the feds for mandated nutrition labeling. Start lobbying your provincial politicians to bring back compulsory nutrition education (which would include "how to read a nutrition label") and food preparation skill building in elementary and secondary schools. We have a lost generation, or two, of Canadians who can't cook and are hoodwinked by the billion dollar food industry. Posted by: jo | Jan 24, 08 12:22 PM

Thank you and congratulation on your program which I found very informative. It confirmed my suspicion on the accuracy of the Health Check logo. I think that that the dietitian is in the wrong profession she should be a politician. I have sent the web link to my colleagues that didn't get to see the program and hope others will do the same. Posted by: Paul | Jan 24, 08 12:26 PM

This is disturbing, as the Heart & Stroke Foundation is using public ignorance as a tool for them to make money from the food companies. As a holistic nutritionist, I am constantly explaining to people that we need to take the initiative of researching what we put in our mouths, because we canNOT rely on any major organization to do it for us. They simply don't have our best interest at "Heart". Posted by: Jennifer | Jan 24, 08 12:40 PM

We have been following the heart and Stroke Foundation for Five and one half years ago and went on the Heart check system when it started. We will check our brands ourselves now. Posted by: Alf Chester | Jan 24, 08 01:00 PM

I resigned from the Foundation in 2006 after I felt that I could no longer in good conscience ask people to support this organization. The revelations on your program give me one more reason not to support the HSF. Hopefully such outstanding programs as they have in US will make their way to Canada. It's about time we had a truly unbiased program that will make it easier to choose among the sea of deceptive marketing schemes found on every grocery shelf. Posted by: Christy Parker | Jan 24, 08 01:12 PM

H&S is misleading people with their label. I had no idea that companies paid to have it. I will no longer be judging my food choices by their check symbol. Posted by: Megan | Jan 24, 08 01:36 PM

People have put their trust into the health-check system. What a "let down". The Americans have led the way on this one, let's hope that the Feds help us catch up! Posted by: Glenn C | Jan 24, 08 02:09 PM

Grocery shopping is a common activity that we all do on a regular basis, and with the public awareness of just how important it is for us to eat healthy, this information not only comes as a shock but adds more confusion than ever to the task of choosing healthy foods. Posted by: Lauralie Bint | Jan 24, 08 02:09 PM

Thank you soooo much for bringing this to the public's attention. You have so many postings that say exactly how I feel and how I feel robbed by the Heart & Stroke fund. No amount of back paddling at this point will ever get me backing them again. It's obviously not a group with a conscience. And thank you for letting all Canadians in on the ONQI system, I have already bookmarked their site and plan on taking a good look at their system and likely encourage young families to also look at their ratings when shopping for their families. Posted by: Raelene Spenst | Jan 24, 08 02:21 PM

Thank you once again for opening my eyes. Like most people have done, I would see that symbol and assume that it is good/better for me. Trying to keep my health in check due to inherited health issues is key for me. I am usually pretty good for looking at the label and scrutinizing the fat, carb and sodium content per serving (and the suggested serving size). But when I see that sign, I figure I don't need to do the calculations as such. UNBELIEVABLE The woman interviewed from the H&S Foundation should be in meetings all day today after that airing. The H&S foundation should look at these alternative ratings as pointed out in the show. NOTHING IS PERFECT, BUT IF SOMETHING IS WRONG OR MISLEADING IT SHOULD BE RECTIFIED. The H&S foundation is a creditable foundation that does a lot of good. This stubbornness for not looking at alternative possibilities of rating food nutrition and healthy eating practices or being more realistic on their guidelines is NOT acceptable. Are they trying to get more people in the need of their care under their foundation by suggesting they eat these foods that clearly are not as healthy as they suggest? Posted by: Ellen | Jan 24, 08 02:23 PM

I think a lot of people are missing the point when they defend the Heart & Stroke Foundation for creating and maintaining this program. Point: The Mac & Cheese was junk food. A parent who may think processed cheese and processed wheat are not a good choice thinks differently when they see the checkmark. That is called influencing the customer. Regardless of the what this show has unveiled the foundation has done great things with our donations. The monies collected for the checkmark program are used to maintain it. Forcing the checkmark program to change its criteria is the way to go. Our donations are important to so many and should not be related to this scandal. Posted by: Loretta | Jan 24, 08 03:04 PM

Here is a non-government organization, a charity, with government approval, making millions on almost indiscriminately selling a logo that insinuates healthy food carte blanche. Plainly Health Canada is not doing its job for Canadians and is even allowing Canadians to be misinformed, in fact deceived, by The Heart and Stroke Foundation. Why would I contribute money to a "charity" that rakes in money like that? Why can't Health Canada provide a graduated scale like one of your examples? Why not help the Canadian population to good health? Posted by: Jim Burgess | Jan 24, 08 03:19 PM

Shame on you CBC Marketplace. You have oversimplified food nutrition and food labeling once again. Sure one simple rating system will not satisfy the health needs of every Canadian. We are diverse, and we all have different needs. Your obesity diet expert doesn't represent everybody's need. But you didn't explain that. His comparison of sugar and salt to cigarettes is so bogus! Sugar is passively not healthy because it's empty calories, while cigarettes actually cause disease. Please supply us with some real journalism. Posted by: steve | Jan 24, 08 03:45 PM

I noticed one comment that Wendy had an agenda...sorry but it was kind of a no brainer to see the check mark, look at the ingredients and then look at the representative from the Heart and Stroke foundation. I believe the representative was given ample opportunity to explain - she explained it and sorry, it did not measure up. Thanks again for an excellent program. Posted by: GLM | Jan 24, 08 03:58 PM

What other food rating systems? Health Check follows the current recommendations of Canada's Food Guide and Health Canada's. All of these are EVIDENCE based - meaning that they are the recommendation of GOOD, proven scientific claims (i.e. they are not FAD diets). The Health Check program/logo is meant to give Canadians a sign of a healthier food choice. Every product that bears the logo meets Health Canada's guidelines. People are obsessed with eating convenience foods. And this is something that isn't good for us. Yes some convenience foods do have the logo however, these are the products that meet the nutritional standards for that food category ('naturally' or been reformulated). And are better choices. You do have to be an informed consumer as some foods that are equally healthy may not have the logo - but maybe because they not have applied to get their food checked. Also I would rather the multi-million/multi-billion dollar companies have to pay for the process of getting their food analyzed (to see if it meets the food criteria), than my $100.00 donation. I am sure that any money that is left over (from this "lucrative" fee) is put back into nutrition programs, research and TRYING TO DECREASE THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH IN CANADIAN (heart disease and stroke). If you want unbiased information on this program, you should visit the Health Check website. Posted by: A parent and consumer who is saddened by such a biased coverage of a subject | Jan 24, 08 04:32 PM

I was referred to your program from a friend. Thank you very much for investigating the health check symbol. Just this past week, I purchased one product over another brand because it had the health check symbol. I had no idea about the details involved with receiving the health check, much like other citizens in Canada-I’m sure. I will now always check the nutritional information. Thanks to Dr. Yoni Freedhoff for excellent information. Maybe he should create his own rating system. I'd love to see an uninfluenced person create an equal rating system for the betterment of Canada's health. Posted by: Is | Jan 24, 08 05:21 PM

I think it's funny that you would do an expose on a very good program and miss out on some of the more ridiculous programs being administered by companies themselves such as the PepsiCo/Quaker ones (that put a check mark on their products just because they don't have trans fat in them or use aspartame not sugar). Industry is doing a worse job of this than the Heart and Stroke program. Sad journalism indeed. Posted by: Darryl | Jan 24, 08 05:36 PM

How disappointing that so many of your viewers are short sighted to see that most of the products under the Health Check program conform under the Canada Food Guide. Having a family member who was a recipient of medication that wouldn't exist without the foundation's support of research is the most important thing to our family. I don't see any other organization out there trying to make a difference. The money received from the companies participating in the Health Check program goes directly back to community programs and research. So I have to wonder why the whole grain breads and Sun Rype products weren't mentioned. Maybe if more people really did their research instead of relying on a biased media story, then our world would be a better place. Posted by: Karen | Jan 24, 08 05:45 PM

Has anybody out there heard of eating natural food? Why buy packaged fries when you can oven roast real potatoes with a little olive oil in the same amount of time as packaged fries. Also, why not buy ground beef and make your own hamburgers - easy - add a chopped onion and an egg and spices and broil. So much better for you. And fresh fruit and vegetables must be much better for you than processed food. In the supermarket, you should just do the peripheral and maybe the odd thing in the aisles, such as oatmeal, tea, coffee - forget the boxed stuff. You will be much healthier and you will know what you are eating. Posted by: Kari | Jan 24, 08 05:54 PM

I watched your program on the Heart & Stroke logo campaign on certain food products. I have often wondered how canned soup and french fries could be approved by the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Due to my own family's health issues, I have started reading labels of all food that I purchase regardless of what logo is on it or not. Even though there are words like "Heart Smart" or "Organic" or "Natural", it is still the consumers' responsibility to education themselves on what is meant by these words and what really is in the processed foods, ie. additives, preservatives, sugar, sodium, trans fat, etc. Anyway, earlier this week, I agreed to canvass for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, as February is Heart month and the canvassing month for the Heart & Stroke Foundation. As I have already committed, I thought it best to adhere to my commitment. But, I have advised my regional coordinator that I will not canvass for the Heart & Stroke Foundation again. As soon as a non-profit organization starts taking corporate dollars in exchange for their "Healthy" food logos, there are the possibilities for problems and/or misleading information. It is always the responsibility of the consumer (especially with regard to food) to READ the labels and make one's own evaluation on if the product is suitable for you and your family. But, I really liked and would support the independent food evaluator from the states. I think they may have something there. Posted by: Vickie Francisco-Wall | Jan 24, 08 07:37 PM

Marketplace has done it again! With pre-formed conclusions, biased information and unfair reporting you have skewered an organization that has already done a remarkable job in influencing food manufacturers to remove trans fats and reduce sodium in their products. They are trying to help Canadians to consider nutrition when they are shopping. I only hope that people are as discriminating when they judge their TV "news" shows as they do when they shop for groceries- if so, they will change the channel when Marketplace comes on. Posted by: Annie B | Jan 24, 08 08:03 PM

Shame on Health Check? I'm disgusted with Heart & Stroke? Give me a break. Take some responsibility yourselves for understanding what you put into your body. Understand that Health check is one piece of information. How about each of you that have criticized Health Check learn to read a nutritional label and make INFORMED decisions. Also...Wendy Mesley should be ashamed of herself for saying health check sells their logo. It costs money to run the program, have dietitians on staff etc.. Does she think that funding appears out of the heavens. Pathetic, and all of you bought it. Lemmings. Posted by: Brigit | Jan 24, 08 08:17 PM

I thought that the show about the health check logo was somewhat informative, however, I do think that you should have featured products by President's Choice (mini chefs), as well as the Our Compliments products for children. This seems to be a bias that could affect the sales for stores at Sobey's and their affiliates and may turn parents toward the mini chefs products, which may or may not be any better than compliments jr. Posted by: alanna jolicoeur | Jan 24, 08 08:20 PM

Well, I know for a fact the HSF is above board and has funded millions of medical research and community programs over the years. They are a foundation that is trying to eliminate the #1 killer of Canadians - Heart Disease. My niece had a stroke at 11 and if the medication TPA wasn't available thanks to their funding a research project that developed it, she would be permanently disabled. Shame on you Wendy your irresponsible reporting on the Health Check Program which is trying to move in the right direction and to use an American model - for all we know it's slanted - 483,000 women died of CVD in 2003 in the United States...75,000 Canadians will die of heart attacks this year - maybe Wendy you should go after the government for not making the Canada Food Guide more accountable - because that is what the Health Check Program follows and like I said earlier, it's a good start. Posted by: Tej | Jan 24, 08 08:45 PM

I happened upon this episode like it was meant to be. I am a nutritional consultant and have been steering my clients clear of this logo for quite some time. I did nothing but cheer you on the entire episode. What a relief to get this topic out in the open! Posted by: Melody Busuttil | Jan 24, 08 08:59 PM

When will Marketplace provide objective reporting to Canadians? There are two sides to a story. Unfortunately Wendy only gave one and compared Health Check to other programs that for some reason I cannot find their criteria. At least Health Check is open about how they develop their standards - Canada's Food Guide! Posted by: Adele | Jan 24, 08 09:03 PM

I am so outraged I had to calm down for a day before commenting. I trusted the Heart and Stroke health check. I feed my one year old and two year old babies products specifically with the health check. My father died of heart disease when I was young. I give money every year to the foundation. I feel dirty that I had such trust. Is sodium not bad for the heart? Maybe I should have waited another few days before I commented as I am about to have a stroke or heart attack. I just don't even know what to say. Posted by: Heather Appleby | Jan 24, 08 09:19 PM

Thank you for educating me. I suffered a heart attack a year and a half ago and with educational seminars the hospital provides about healthy eating choices I was set to start a new healthy life. That is until I watched your program. I was led to believe by educators that the health check is a quick dependable method to choose healthy foods. Another ripoff. When are people and organizations going to be held accountable? Posted by: Ray Willis | Jan 24, 08 09:39 PM

I was very disappointed by this program. Of course it costs money to study and rate a product. Of course it's impossible to test every product out there. But your program suggested that we should be outraged that the Heart and Stroke Foundation is not testing every single product in existence for free. The idea is naive and completely unrealistic. Posted by: Adrian Thurston | Jan 24, 08 09:42 PM

I have to admit I was clueless about the heart/stroke check mark. I always look at the ingredients list and the three most important to me are sugar, cholesterol and sodium content. Heart and stroke foundation and cancer foundations have always struck me the same - they should have cured the diseases long ago by the amount of time and money they have sucked out of people by now. The consumer must take as much responsibility as possible - forget the packaged garbage in the first place - get back to cooking from scratch (as in scratch my head and wonder what we'll have for dinner today) - Money and big corporations have more control than is good for any country. Posted by: sharon | Jan 24, 08 09:47 PM

CBC did it right. We are leading fast lives and the H & S Foundation's "Health Check" is on these items for THAT reason...to assist us visually to choose foods that should contribute to good health and prevent heart and stroke issues. This stamp carries great responsibility which, I believe, the H & S Foundation took lightly. You cannot have an "ingredient healthier" can of soup beside another "ingredient somewhat healthy" can of soup with a "Health Check" stamp without someone questioning it and someone being accountable. Posted by: Lee Williams | Jan 24, 08 09:48 PM

I watched the program on the H&SF's Health Check logo with great interest. My father had a heart attack 3 days after his 81th birthday. Fortunately, everything turned out well and he returned home after a few days in hospital. He met with his dietitian who reviewed the foods he could eat and avoid. Imagine my surprise (and I am certain that I was not the first viewer) to learn that companies can pay licensing fees which, in turn, allows them to use the Heath Check logo on their products. I no longer trust what this logo means - and I made certain to talk to him and my stepmother about the program. But the problem is two-fold as the other part of the blame rests solely on the government of Canada ... the government that decimated Health Canada and its programs/services when the department's budgets were severely slashed a few years ago. We cannot expect the same levels of programs or information when there is no monies allocated to serve the Canadian public. This Health Check logo does a disservice to the general public - but we have done a disservice to ourselves by not speaking out to ensure that our government departments. have the resources to provide us with honest, pertinent information ... information which just may save our lives one day. Posted by: E. Trainor | Jan 24, 08 10:03 PM

My husband and I watched the show this week. He has had a minor heart attack and since then we have been very careful in our grocery shopping. As part of his rehab, a dietitian took us through the grocery store to help make good choices. She challenged us to find one item in the soup aisle that fell within the safe sodium level for heart patients: not even the low sodium broth did and the rest was sky high. When we saw the health check label on all those soups, we decided then and there to ignore that label and read for ourselves in the nutrition facts. Thank you for bringing H&S pandering to the food industry to everyone's attention. It shows that we have to rely on ourselves to read and choose. I hope H&S will now change its guidelines to maintain its credibility. Posted by: Lynn Russell | Jan 24, 08 11:18 PM

Get real people - the foundation recommends vegetables and fruit, whole grains and the like above all else. Look on any of their publications or their website. Funny....the ONQI looks very familiar to the dietary pattern clearly recommended by the foundation - Canada's Food Guide, which emphasizes dark greens, whole grains, lower fat milk (or alternatives) and lean protein. Canadians are smarter than this - don't blame the foundation for not eating your vegetables and fruit. Posted by: annoyed with biased journalism | Jan 25, 08 08:28 AM

If universities in Canada openly sold degrees rather than worry about a candidate's ability to do the work, Canadians would be furious and clearly, the integrity of our universities, which is currently so well-regarded internationally, would be seriously compromised. By selling the Health Check logo to manufacturers, the Heart & Stroke Foundation has created a false sense of security for consumers who may very well be placed in jeopardy. The Heart and Stroke Foundation can justify their position in a number of ways but the simple fact of the matter is that they neither have the technical expertise to manage such an important programme to guide consumers in their quest for health nor do they have the will to create a broad based programme and policy to address all foods. Yes, such a massive undertaking would be expensive but it strikes me that if they are not up to the task they should simply allow consumers to read existing labels rather than creating a false sense of security that encourages individuals to buy products based solely on a logo and that is precisely their goal. The more logos, the more money. If there were an effective and efficient government in place, this would be stopped immediately and the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be forbidden to undertake this clear conflict of interest. Posted by: DC Mahoney | Jan 25, 08 09:41 AM

To the few who are defending the Health Check program. Thank you for your voices. I am a nutrition grad and highly disturbed by the false and faulty arguments presented in this program. Shame on you Marketplace. First of all, Health Check makes very clear that they operate on a cost-recovery basis…yes they “generated” $3mil but this went into operating costs. I think consumers are missing the point – which is that they are to act as an independent third party in this matter. Products are tested independently by labs to verify the nutritional information provided by companies involved (extremely costly mind you). Let us compare, for example at Mac & Cheese – the Compliments Junior as discussed in the show and a very comparable product. [COMPLIMENTS JUNIOR (225g) 280 Cal, 7g Fat (4.5g Sat, 0.2g Trans, 20mg Chol), 850 mg Sodium, 41g Carb (2g Fibre, 3g Sugar), 12g Pro, 6% VitA, 0% VitC, 15% Ca, 8% Iron] [STOUFFERS (340g) 490 Cal, 23g Fat (10g Sat, 1.5g Trans, 40mg Chol), 1450 mg Sodium, 48g Carb (4g Fibre, 6g Sugar), 22g Pro, 0% VitA, 0% VitC, 40% Ca, 4% Iron] First of all, the Stouffers serving size is larger and therefore does not meet Health Check criteria. So let’s look at caloric density. For total fat: Compliments=0.025g/cal, Stouffers=0.047g/cal (almost DOUBLE!). Trans: Compliments=0.0007g/cal, Stouffers=0.0030g/cal (more than DOUBLE!). Are you telling me Health Check is duping all you people by telling you this Compliments meal is a BETTER CHOICE? Posted by: Arlene | Jan 25, 08 10:57 AM

I just sent the heart and stroke an email letting them know my disappointment for being a corporate shill, but thanked them for marking off with their showy logo who the corporate food companies are that i shall now boycott. I will not support them or the monster corporations. We ALL should boycott this sort of lack of ethics that hide behind a guise of OUR best health interests. Posted by: kristine | Jan 25, 08 11:21 AM

Being in my 78th year I can remember when the selling of a lottery ticket in Canada, was illegal. The birth of lottery raised operating funds appeared to many as what might turn out to be a huge mistake. It now seems that the Heart and Stroke Foundation has launched another (perhaps bigger) mistake,which is moving many, including myself, to stop purchasing their lottery tickets. Having high blood pressure myself ,I now feel that Market Place is more concerned with our health than the HSF.is Posted by: Bruce Doner | Jan 25, 08 11:41 AM

How can a registered Canadian charity earn $2.4M PER YEAR on a program that misleads Canadians, transgresses the spirit if not the letter of its own mission, and tips its motive way over the top from public good to private benefit? The fact that H&S is a charity doesn't excuse it from marketplace responsibility -- it increases that responsibility! Health Canada (and possible Canada Revenue Agency Charitable Division) where are you? Posted by: Counterpoint | Jan 25, 08 02:33 PM

While I found your program very informative I also feel there was some journalistic sensationalism. Your doctor implying that by putting the health check logo on McCain Low Fat French Fries consumers might choose french fries instead of fruits and vegetable is ludicrous! Give Canadian consumers some credit for their intelligence - is that common sense? This is not the purpose of the Health Check program - the program merely points out better choices within that category. What your program did not mention is that only ONE of many varieties of McCain french fries qualifies for the health check logo. So, if you are inclined to indulge in french fries on the odd occasion - the McCain Low Fat Fries with the health check logo are a "better" choice. The program also implied that the health check logo is "for sale" since companies have to pay for it. Not so! Products still have to meet the standards which have been set. Let's be honest, of course a more extensive program which evaluates every product would be better for consumers - but who is going to pay for it? The health check program has to charge suppliers for the right to use their logo because they are a non-profit organization and there is an obvious cost to administer this program. We should not be critical of the Health Check program. If Canadians want a more extensive program that evaluates all products then we should be lobbying Health Canada to provide it. The Heart & Stroke Fund are providing a good service at no cost to the consumer; but at the end of the day we are all responsible for our own choices! Posted by: Judy | Jan 25, 08 06:26 PM

I must comment on some vital flaws to this argument. The Health Check is appropriate to use when you are applying it to an overall healthy diet. The Heart and Stroke Foundation clearly advocates for this. I encourage viewers to visit their website where they outline how important it is to each vegetables and fruits, and exercise. Did it ever occur to anyone why the check isn't on raw vegetables? The Heart Stroke Foundation is a non-profit organization. This means that $2.4 million made goes into into research and advocacy (80% revenue of non profits cannot be retained as according to the Canada Revenue Agency). Let's not forget it costs money to test those products to meet the Health Check Criteria. No one is padding their pockets with this revenue, whether they want to or not. Common People, smarten up! Posted by: Amber Ousting | Jan 25, 08 08:00 PM

I am absolutely appalled! @ 21mins the H&SF rep states "we are not the food police" What do they think they are trying to be with their "check mark"? It appears to me that they are indeed trying to pass themselves off as such. The H&SF is such a trusted charity; who would doubt them? The rep also states that people will probably check the nutrition label when they get home. Well, doesn't that accomplish what they are trying to do? The consumer has purchased the "check marked item". Do they they expect the consumer to return the item if it doesn't meet their personal nutrition criteria? This is FRAUD at it's worst. Hiding behind a trusted name and bilking parents? Posted by: Lynne | Jan 25, 08 08:39 PM

I was shocked to see something that I once thought to be a reputable charity selling out. They always say that they are looking out for our best interest but why are they putting false information out to the public? When you see the health check symbol you think that you have made a healthy choice because the Heart and Stroke Foundation says that it is healthy. Isn't that false information they are putting out there for the public? Health Canada better do some serious research before they allow that charity to be the sole choice in deciding what is healthy for the public. The best thing to do is to check the labels ourselves before we buy the product. Posted by: Gemma Meadowcroft | Jan 25, 08 09:01 PM

It would have been interesting to have been told the costs of running a program that would evaluate all food products. I also would have liked to hear from more Canadian dietitians to hear their view on the levels of nutrients the products must meet to get the health check logo. I have a personal connection with the Heart and Stroke Foundation - their staff and advice really helped us after my father had a heart attack a few years ago. And my sister has volunteered in the past as well. So I find it hard to believe that they are truly greedy as depicted in the story - the Foundation representative did say several times that the money the food companies pay goes to run the program. If it's a conflict of interest for those companies to pay to be evaluated then where should the money for operating costs come from? The government? - can't see that happening! Our donations? - would research then suffer because of fewer funds? Maybe a flawed system is better than nothing at all?! So while I'll be more hesitant to blindly trust the logo on foods (and will read my own labels, which we should all be doing anyway), I'm not willing to paint the whole organization as evil simply because of one poorly-executed program. In fact, I find it rather poor journalism on the part of Marketplace to highlight a flaw but not also mention the good the Foundation does in other areas. Posted by: Tish | Jan 25, 08 10:19 PM

I notice that with this program and the one you did about "Made In Canada", that the products were all processed foods. I think we can eat less expensively, more healthy, and with less packaging into the environment simply by buying "fresh" food. Posted by: Barbara Cooper | Jan 25, 08 11:17 PM

I can only imagine people trying to get healthier and lower their cholesterol by buying the health check products in order to achieve their goals and finding out that they might be even worst off. A lot of individuals tend to eat more of a product if it tastes good and is healthy for you. I hope that health Canada makes sure that if their is one health check across the country that it is a well proportion to the alternatives that you looked at. Posted by: Manny | Jan 26, 08 04:46 AM

Congratulations Marketplace, you stomped on the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Your transparent one-sided journalism succeeded again, I'm sure, in garnering you some much sought after ratings. Your show will most certainly convince the non-thinkers out there who blindly believe in whatever they are told whether it is a symbol on a can or the words of a supposed journalist on TV. And therein, of course, lays the crux of the matter. Your irresponsible attempt to portray the Health Check program as fraudulent will most certainly smear the public perception of the Heart and Stroke Foundation and perhaps even affect the bottom line of this most deserved charity. I have read several comments from viewers that will no longer make donations to this very worthy organization based upon their new "knowledge" of this allegedly capitalistic program. This is perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the matter. The Health Check program is based on cost recovery only and for someone to imply that it is big business to the Heart and Stroke Foundation is ludicrous. Even funnier yet is the fact that Health Check requires sponsors to declare on their packaging that they "financially support" the Health Check program so the consumers’ surprised reaction to this only serves to further display their ignorance. The Health Check program has had some very positive influence in the marketplace by setting criteria that requires participating manufacturers to conform to criteria that requires them to comply to lower levels of sodium and fat in their products. This in turn demands that competing manufacturers then follow suit in order to remain competitive. It is the domino effect. The Health Check guidelines serve to catalyze positive change and that is the point. Be proud, Marketplace you are doing a bang up job of discrediting an organization of dedicated individuals who have set out not to profit but to make a positive impact on Canadians' health. Posted by: Carol Frazer, BASc Clinical Nutrition | Jan 26, 08 01:38 PM

Congratulations on your expose on Canada's health check system. It is a shame that consumers can be misled so easily by what boils down to a simple marketing ploy. Posted by: John Smith | Jan 26, 08 03:55 PM

Just watched the program with the Heart and Stroke check mark and I am clearly unimpressed with this foundation. It has given itself a black eye and should immediately stop the check mark advertisement. How can you not put health checks on apples and oranges but can on a bag of sugar. They should go with a system that rates all items in various categories based on the criteria for those items and pick the top three. Does this mean some apples would not get on the list possibly depending on pesticides and herbicides used. How about Milk products check them for fats antibiotics and chemicals. Looks like the HaSF is getting fat off the companies. They need to get off their butts and start doing the work they are supposed to do. I for one have never looked for the health check as I am lazy and simply know what I like. Apparently my random liking of food is just as good as theirs. Posted by: Sean Stevenson | Jan 26, 08 04:16 PM

I just watched this program and it has verified some issues I was concerned about. I am a label reader through and through and wondered why some products that were healthier choices didn't have the health check on it. Now I understand...it has to do with money, of course. The standards were not high enough in my opinion either. Most people do not read labels or don't know how to read them. Either they rate all the products or none so the playing field is equal. Health Canada should be ashamed at themselves. I feel they made it worse by giving people a false sense of security. My motto has always been to trust no one but yourself and go in especially about food with your eyes wide open. In this fast paced world we can be easily misguided because of time. Lets all be more diligent about what goes in our mouth. We are stuck with these bodies for life so pretty important. Posted by: Cheryl Clark | Jan 26, 08 04:21 PM

I just finished watching your Heart and Stroke foundation Health check program. How pathetic, how painful to listen to the lady from the Heart and Stroke foundation trying to explain their program and responding to CBC's findings. "2 1/2 tsp. of sugar in a small granola bar is acceptable. Sugar is not all that bad." A scientist once said that if sugar was discovered today it would not be permitted for consumption because it is pure poison to the body. The bottom line is this: Most people don't want, or can't cook their own food anymore from scratch. As soon as any food item has been processed it has lost many nutrients, Health Check label or not. Posted by: Roland Lotz | Jan 26, 08 04:24 PM

Thank you CBC marketplace for this story. This is appalling. I, like probably 90% of the Canadian population, always believed that the Heart and Stroke Foundation objectively tested a wide range of products on the market and then gave their endorsement to those items that were truly the healthiest. What a joke. Only the large, rich companies can afford to take part in this program. Any credibility that the Heart & Stroke Foundation had is gone. I plan to tell everyone I know to watch the story - gotta love the power of email & facebook. Posted by: Corree | Jan 26, 08 04:38 PM

WOW, I watched the show with horror and I was deeply embarrassed for the "Heart & Stroke representative. She had no idea what she was talking about! Thank-you so much for this very interesting show. I am HOPING it will air again so that more people have the chance to see the true facts about the Heart and Stroke Foundation and their products that are very misleading. The Heart & Stroke foundation should hang its head in shame over the direction it has chosen. Posted by: Lyndsay | Jan 26, 08 08:00 PM

Thank you for your insightful show on Health Check. I will be sharing this with everyone I know. Shame on the HSF! Though if people really want to know what's in the food they are eating they should be trying to buy organic fresh as much as possible. I wouldn't buy my kid pre-packaged twinkie muffin things even if they did have the Health Check symbol. An apple or an orange would be much better. Posted by: Michelle Chappell | Jan 26, 08 08:01 PM

I feel betrayed by Heart and Stroke Foundation. Having just had a heart attack, and having used the damn logo as a guide to healthy food, I can only presume that the H&SF are looking for more customers. What a disgraceful sham. Posted by: Andrew Hartshorn | Jan 26, 08 08:05 PM

I will never donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation again because of their misleading information. Who can we trust? Posted by: Matt | Jan 26, 08 08:08 PM

I cannot help but feel deceived after watching your broadcast about the Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Check mark label considering I just spent 2 hours shopping the night before and over $300 looking for foods with the Health Check mark thinking I was making a healthy choice. I have been teaching my child how to shop for healthy choices by explaining the importance of picking foods with the Heart and Stroke Foundation Health Check Mark only to find out now that we are victims of yet another money-making scheme aimed at the growing trends of the population to make healthy eating choices. This is another prime example of Corporations portraying something to be good to earn a profit without truly having the best interest of the public at heart. Posted by: Alvin Ahnassay | Jan 26, 08 08:11 PM

Thanks for making us aware that no one judgement is totally correct. While some critics of the health check logo made some interesting points, the one doctor that said that approved french fries should not be approved because the approval will make consumers abandon the fresh vegetable counter altogether blew his credibility. That is unlikely to happen! We all crave variety, and if we choose to treat ourselves to a small serving of fries with our array, the logo simply informs us that it is a reasonable compromise. Posted by: Ryan | Jan 26, 08 08:11 PM

This is ridiculous. How can health Canada stand by and let something like this happen? The almighty buck conquers all. People are trying to stay healthy and loose weight and are being fooled by an organization that we trust and donate to. Anyone can read a label. We just don't have the time or understand them. We trusted the Health and Stroke foundation to do more than just read the label of the company that paid them to read them. It would be nice to know if any company that paid them did not get an endorsement. Posted by: Marlene | Jan 26, 08 09:16 PM

Thanks for shining the light of truth on another bungling bureaucracy where consumer interests have been replaced by big business and political protection! It's pathetic to watch these people squirm, but like most politicians protecting their turf from prying eyes , their response is a nothing but a combination of bull patties, double talk, half truths, truths of omission, big business truths, career protecting truths, and the all encompassing bureaucratic spin (a.k.a. oh no, our incompetence has been discovered!). No wonder the state of health in this country is in such a mess and our hospitals are having to bear the burdens of chemical food. Food which is labeled with information requiring a scientist to interpret, an electron microscope to read, and a researcher to figure out the truth! Please do a follow up on these jokers and would someone in the print media please ignore their obsession with pop culture and zero in on this kind of issue, especially around election time! Please keep up the pressure! If they can't stand the heat, maybe they'll get out of the kitchen, or at least replace the health check label with a skull & crossbones logo. Then we can buy everything else and know we're safe. Posted by: R.Cameron | Jan 26, 08 09:36 PM

Watched the show. Came to the website as suggested. Saw an item about restaurant meals. Read the website information. Wondered why you can suggest to consumers that 1.6 quarter-pounder hamburgers is better than grilled wild coho salmon?Your interviewer accuses Health Check of misleading consumers in the Health Check show. How about doing a show about how the Marketplace website is misleading consumers. Posted by: Fairplay | Jan 26, 08 09:57 PM

It has been my experience that most of the food in the centre aisles of the grocer store should be left there. Cambell's soups have always been inedible as far as I am concerned, all one tastes is salt. The newer ones are no better. I tried some of the packaged macaroni and cheese and all I could taste was salt. Cookies and any food like that makes my stomach roil from the sugar. 90% of food sold in the supermarkets will be unhelpful to your health. Thanks for a good show. Posted by: margaret | Jan 26, 08 10:01 PM

It was painful enough to watch the hatchet-job done by Marketplace on the Heart and Stroke Foundation but absolutely heart-sickening to read the diatribes on this site that the show provoked. This is the most shallow and destructive piece of journalism that I have seen in a long time. The damage that flows from it to the vital services of the HSF will be a stain on the CBC. There is so much to despise in this program: Mesley's initial ingratiating interview with the HSF representative followed by a pit-bull demeanour at the end; the comparisons with the US examples (which themselves could not stand up to such a diatribe) when other Canadian standards are available; the dismissal of reasonable HSF explanations for the need to take funds from corporations, with no acknowledgment that such financial support is necessary and unavailable elsewhere; and the puerile belief underpinning the show that the consumer has no common sense in these matters. I have no connection to the HSF and have never even contributed to them but I have infinitely more trust in their professionalism than that of Marketplace journalists. A great harm has been done here and the CBC should apologize. Posted by: Hugh Millar | Jan 26, 08 10:51 PM

How unfortunate that we're so quick to judge without really understanding. It appears we've moved from expecting the H and S Foundation to decide what we should eat, to interpreting the CBC's questionable slant on nutritional interpretation as unimpeachable fact. The symbol wasn't developed for those capable (and desiring) of making the best of choice every time, it's merely to guide to better than, choices. We are a nation of moderates. The Heart and Stroke Foundation's programs have been a lifesaving force for Canadians over the years, from school programs, to research. I'll continue to support this worthy organization timewise and dollar wise, and I'll take responsibility to read my own labels thanks Posted by: Cameron | Jan 27, 08 09:46 AM

The woman from the Heart & Stroke foundation said at one point in the interview that the Heart & Stroke foundation is not the food police. If that is the case, then why are they marketing their logo as being so important on on grocery products. One thing that people should keep in mind: any time that I have ever been in a grocery store, not once have I seen the H & S check symbol around any fresh produce, only with canned, boxed, frozen, or any other refined foods. Posted by: C Strathdee | Jan 27, 08 11:27 AM

Why is Marketplace trying to discredit a foundation which raises millions for heart and stroke research? This program has done nothing but probably decrease the donations to the HSF and impede their ability to sponsor life-saving research. I believe the HSF check provides some amount of guidance in making food choices. In the absence of this tool, I believe that food choices by Canadians would be even worse. On that note, congratulations to the HSF and keep up the good work! Food choice is effected more by socioeconomic disparity, lack of education and lack of time than it is by icons on a box. I think Marketplace has missed the mark on this one. Posted by: Lee | Jan 27, 08 11:37 AM

I have been one of those naive Canadians with too much blind trust in the Heart and Stroke program. Lesson learned. I will spend more time reading labels and making my own good choices. I'm both sad and grateful for the eye opening program! Posted by: P. Anderson | Jan 27, 08 12:10 PM

To all the people blasting Marketplace, wake up! For years my 80 year old mother diabetic mother depends on this symbol for her meals. She does not understand or know how to read the labels. So she trusts this organization to assist her. Now most of the products are fraud and paid to get this check. After years of donating to Heart & stroke, I just got my envelope and sent it back EMPTY with a disappointment letter to them. Posted by: Patrick | Jan 27, 08 12:16 PM

I am working in a grocery store and I didn't know all the things you said in your video. This is stupid. It's a joke. Why they are not testing everything? I will inform all of my staff and the customers in my department. Posted by: catherine cyr | Jan 27, 08 12:34 PM

I have always been a label reader and am not really surprised to find out that some money has exchanged hands to be able to use the Health Check. I would expect something like this from the government but NOT from an organization such as the Heart and Stroke. They should be objective NOT financially encouraged! Unfortunately, many people rely on agencies to help make life more simple and trust what they are told. We live in a very rush/rush society and we all look towards anything that will make choices more simple. One of the consumers said it right: "buyer beware." Posted by: Kellie Smith | Jan 27, 08 12:34 PM

I watched your program with disgust. My father had a stroke almost four years ago so I decided to join a gym and eat healthier. (Since them I have gained 20 lbs go figure). I chose products with the health check and in this process it would take me almost double the amount of time to pick up groceries as it used too. In addition I found myself paying more for products that I thought were healthy and actually I was paying too much for the incorrect choices. No wonder the big brand names can pay for the health check stamp. The lady you interviewed seemed to dance very well with the issues when challenged. Posted by: Barry Furlong | Jan 27, 08 12:35 PM

I spent the entire show with my mouth hanging open from shock. I had a stroke 6 years ago. I was 28 years old. I have been trusting the HSF's guidelines to help me eat more healthy and prevent another stroke or heart attack. Obviously, they don't have the consumer's best interest at "heart". I will never trust this organization again. Posted by: Virginia | Jan 27, 08 12:39 PM

I was surprised that not once did you mention Canada's Guide to Healthy Eating. There is a quick online quiz that people can take to read food labels. I haven't given the health check much weight because I do know how to quickly get a healthier product by reading the nutritional ingredients. I try most days to choose foods that would be healthier than I would have when I was younger. Look and give second looks. Don't trust the Heart and Stroke labeling and do read the nutritional ingredients. Posted by: Teresa Dyck | Jan 27, 08 12:45 PM

I was most disturbed by the Heart and Stroke respresentative who you talked to. It didn't matter how much proof you gave her it seems the foundation thinks that they are not responsible to be giving the truth about foods we consume. They are more than ready to endorse products and companies that are willing to pay the price. It seems to me that it's ironic that if you have heart or stoke problems you are told not to be consuming saturated fats and too much salt or sugar. That being the case their endorsement program does not follow their advice and it's like giving cigarettes to someone trying to quit smoking. It seems that the only language the Heart and Stroke foundation understands is money and I've decided that I will not be making my annual contribution until they amend their ways. Posted by: Carol Part | Jan 27, 08 12:47 PM

Once again, I have found myself shouting at the television during Marketplace, a result of frustration over the program's content. Today's show, concerning the "Health Check" system joins an episode regarding Canada's restaurant chains' reluctance to disclose calorie and health information about their meals and one that taught us "Product of Canada" on our food labels is virtually meaningless. How about a little personal responsibility on the behalf of consumers? How about wising up to the fact that processed foods are not going to be the best choices for us? I am frustrated that Marketplace has once again identified a problem, but has not gone the next step to identify the solution--helping Canadians realize that preparing meals "from scratch" with non-processed ingredients is the healthiest solution. And by the way, I am not a tree hugger or health fanatic. I am waaay overweight, in large part because I know too much ice cream will make me fat, but I eat it anyway. And I live with a smoker. So what do I know? Posted by: Patricia M. Shea | Jan 27, 08 12:48 PM

I lost all respect for marketplace. I just watched the show about the Heart and Stroke Foundation health check. They took the products that had a health check on and took them to the US to get evaluated. That is like comparing the economic and political landscape of each country and trying to compare them. The checks that the Heart and Stroke Foundation put on these products are based on Health CANADA standards.You also stated that the Heart and Stroke Foundation got compensation for using their label. Congrats to them for admitting that they used the money to help pay for the program. What about the US company's programs? Are these two companies not trying to get their programs endorsed by the US government? If you wanted to make an unbiased decision you should have used an independent lab to test each product and not competing programs. The two US programs also want their programs to be the only one used on products. Why don't you do a program next about vehicle safety? Get Ford to evaluate a GM vehicle. Posted by: Tony Huxter | Jan 27, 08 12:49 PM

I have been reading food labels for years, since my, active, non-smoking, non-overweight husband found out he had high cholesterol. I learned early on never to trust any 'tag lines' on products. I was increasingly frustrated with the lack of truly healthy items on the shelves. 'No tans-fat' claims are bogus on lots of products, and each organization that is adding labels to food are only evaluating specific elements of the foods, like H&S and the Diabetes ratings, store brands, etc. You have to read the nutritional information labels and the ingredient listing then make your choice. It can be very time consuming specially for a busy mom and I think the ONQI system is a great one. I have been volunteering for the Heart and Stroke Foundation for years during their canvassing campaign and I will be withdrawing my support when I get the call this Spring. They will also be receiving an email to the same effect today. I will put my energy elsewhere where I know it will make a difference. How on earth is the Health Check system helping anybody? It's certainly not encouraging food manufacturers to produce really good healthy products! It's a case of doing only the bare minimum to fit the very lax set of criteria. I am growing weary of a world driven by mass marketing and media. Posted by: Nicole | Jan 27, 08 12:53 PM

In this ever-cynical marketplace, why are consumers still assuming that some mystical entity cares about the populace? It has been proven time and again that even non-profit organizations have their own best interests in mind. Most of us know that raw vegetables are good, too much fat and salt are bad, and that processed foods are awful. I saw those superfries with the health check symbol at my local Loblaws, but I did not assume they were a healthy diet choice. I assumed that if fries were already on my list, then I might consider those with the health check symbol because they may do less damage. Posted by: Dan P. | Jan 27, 08 12:55 PM

My Husband suffered a stroke 4 years back and I have been using this symbol as one of the guiding factors to buy the food. I am seriously disappointed in this matter. I would like to be able to trust this organization because it provides hope to us that they are doing something about which we have no control over. By pulling stuff like this they have lost their credibility to a certain extent which really saddens me as there are a lot of Doctors and researchers who are working very hard to get a breakthrough. Posted by: SG | Jan 27, 08 01:12 PM

I found your expose an excellent choice for a story. Especially since I just recently purchased a number of Cambell soups precisely since it had the health check on it. I totally feel like my trust has been betrayed, and watching The Heart and Stroke Foundation representative try and justify their position has totally disgusted me. Posted by: Frank | Jan 27, 08 01:30 PM

I watched your show this morning and chuckled. Recently we went shopping and noticed the 'health check'. My good friend (has some heart problems) just happened to be there also. He got very excited about the health-check label and bought anything with that label and recommended we do the same. I laughed and told him that in today's market everything is bought and sold and I wouldn't be surprised if the label is just a fund raising sticker. This morning he watched the same show and admitted his foolishness. Well my dear readers, why do you want to buy prepared foods anyway? Make them at home as you want them. If we want to make our life easier by using precooked meals then we shouldn't be complaining what we get in those cans. STOP buying those, make them at home. I always eat out ONLY once a week. Eating out unhealthy food is just as good (or bad) buying prepared food. Posted by: Jamil Ahmad | Jan 27, 08 01:44 PM

I've seen a report about this on Québec's television and they weren't talking long about it so many people didn't see it. When I saw your report I went in our kitchen to see if we've had some products with the health logo on it and my mother is buying them because of the logo. Now we are aware of the situation and we will be careful. Posted by: Gwendo.qc | Jan 27, 08 01:49 PM

It is sad to see the H & S Foundation has fallen into the corporate profits business instead of creating and maintaining a standard for the food industry to follow that would mean that Canadians really would be making the wisest choice for healthy eating. I have looked on their website and the standards have changed but most products are still loaded with sugar and fat and I think Canadians would be better served if there was no check at all then to endorse the products that they are trying to get us to buy. Posted by: Tom Dunning | Jan 27, 08 02:09 PM

I have always been a conscious shopper and read the labels on everything. So the checkmark really didn't mean much to me. but I am glad that you brought this out. There are a lot of consumers that need to know this. As for the feds they probably already knew this and endorsed it. As long as big companies are bringing in big tax dollars government doesn't really care about the regular person. The heart and stroke foundation should know better. Posted by: Rosemary | Jan 27, 08 03:45 PM

I try to eat healthy and never have really looked for a "health Check" but I am glad Market place has opened people eyes that those health check items are not necessarily the healthiest. I wonder though for the people that say that we should all read the labels. Well if you are elderly and can't see well that task is pretty much impossible. Or people shopping with small children don't always have the pleasure of having enough time to read the labels. I think the whole health check scam should just not exist. I honestly think that the many convenience foods available to consumers are generally unhealthy. If you cant read what is on the label perhaps you should think twice before ingesting it. Posted by: Kristen | Jan 27, 08 04:32 PM

I was stunned by these revelations. Here we are living in a society that has a serious epidemic of both obesity and diabetes and we can't trust the "healthcheck" given to these products. This is nothing more then a smart marketing ploy benefiting the Heart and Stroke foundation, certainly not the consumer. Posted by: Pat | Jan 27, 08 08:49 PM

Outrage and disgust. We are being duped and I can't believe that an organization like Heart and Stroke is profiting from these misrepresentations. They will never see another penny of our money. Posted by: Jamie | Jan 27, 08 09:33 PM

I trusted the check label, conscientiously choosing what I felt were healthier foods. I think that any company that takes money to provide their stamp of approval would have difficulty being impartial, and that if no other products receive the check, this is not acceptable. Health Canada should not endorse this check business. An organization that does what they do is a business, because payment for the check is involved. Posted by: Chris | Jan 27, 08 09:36 PM

Thankfully I have a food allergy that forces me to make from scratch the majority of my meals and snacks. Never thought I would be glad to have a food allergy until now. It could be may saving grace. Health Check or any program that asses or food for its health benefits to us should ALWAYS remain impartial, not up for purchase by those willing to pay. Posted by: Karen | Jan 27, 08 09:42 PM

This marketplace story was refreshing for me. I take time to read labels and have known about the unreliable nature of "Health Check" for some time now. What this story really points out though, is that we as consumers, parents, citizens are responsible for our own choices. Accountability is highly underrated, in my opinion. It becomes apparent that the "health check" is targeted at people who choose to eat out of the frozen food/Disney themed/over processed/over packaged food aisles. Shame on these people anyways - you're taxing our health system and our environment. Stop watching CSI for one night and google "easy healthy recipes". Furthermore, without knowledge, or proper training, people are unable to navigate the consumerism landscape we've seen take over our society. Perhaps it is time for our education systems to teach our children how to make informed decisions, not corporately driven ones. After all, if our politicians and beloved Heart and Stroke Foundation can't stand up to corporate control it is up to mothers feeding future generations to do it - dollar by dollar. Posted by: Heather | Jan 27, 08 09:45 PM

I was first suspicious when the Heart and Stroke TV commercial start running. Some products did not seem all that great and for an organization that is suppose to be non profit, I felt that the time slot was probably costing them a lot of money. Thank you for putting my suspicion to rest. I will never view the Heart and Stroke Foundation the same way. I hope that the government will never view them as an independent organization to guide Canadians towards healthy choices. Posted by: Veronique | Jan 27, 08 10:32 PM

Just wanted to share my comments with you that I emailed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation after watching your program. The comments are as follows: I wanted to share my dismay with the Heart and Stroke foundation for what I feel is the misleading nature of the Healthy check logo. I watched the program that Marketplace aired and was absolutely floored to realize that your Healthy Check logo isn't worth the paper that it is printed on. The old saying goes that everyone has their price. Obviously the companies who have donated millions of dollars to your organization in exchange for the use of your logo has found out at what price the heart and stroke will sell themselves (and the trusting individuals who believed in their message) out for. Shame on you for promoting foods so high in sodium, sugar and cholesterol. Heaven forbid that Heart and Stroke ever become the sole group to monitor and rate what Canadians eat. Posted by: Cindy | Jan 28, 08 12:14 AM

I have been in a wheel chair for 15 years and thus can get little exercise. Two years ago I noticed my weight had crept too high so I decided to lose weight by diet. The result was a loss of 22 pounds. have been on the heart-smart diet for several years and have relied on the heart check symbol to a great extent. Two years ago I had a quintuple by-pass which included 14 blood transfusions to stop the bleeding. That is scary stuff. I have advised H&S to remove our names from their mailing list and that we will make no more donations until we hear that they have changed their practices. Perhaps you will revisit the story in a year or so and let us know whether they have done so. Posted by: Jim Newell | Jan 28, 08 09:56 AM

Thank you for this informative story. I was disappointed in Health Canada's response that the $2.6M received from the food manufacturers was a recoup of costs of running the health check program, instead of calling it was it really is, payment for services rendered. It still lies with the consumer to learn what they are eating, learn how to read a label, and judge for ourselves what we are eating. I think that the states has a smarter plan with the "ONQI" system of having anonymous scientists evaluating the foods. This would at least give the impression of being impartial. Posted by: K Sherrard | Jan 28, 08 12:08 PM

This has changed my views of the Heart and Stroke foundation and their misleading health messages. They are in essence taking advantage of people who would otherwise assume those products are healthy, when they are in fact unhealthy and in some cases worse than say salted pretzels. From now on, I will not give to their charities either - it is socially irresponsible because their bottom line is made more important than people's health. Posted by: Rhonda Hamoui | Jan 28, 08 12:18 PM

I am simply appalled at the audacity of a trusted organization like that selling their soul for money. I had no idea that only those companies willing to pay to receive the health check symbol actually receive the symbol. It’s pathetic that a company who doesn't pay, who may have the exact same product but is much healthier, won't get the symbol. Just where is the Foundation’s conscience here? It’s obvious where their loyalties lie and that’s certainly NOT with the general public. I will NEVER trust anything from the Foundation again no matter what they may do to try and fix their obvious faux pas. I just shook my head when Wendy Mesley was grilling the Foundation’s representative. It was obvious that she was very uncomfortable with the questions being asked and right well she should be! Wendy did a stupendous job at making her squirm! Posted by: Emm | Jan 28, 08 12:58 PM

To tell you the truth was not very surprised. Everything nowadays is based on marketing and how much money a company can make. The health of Canadians should be the number one priority. New standards need to be put in place. A good start would be to either totally revamp and revise the Health Check program OR to get rid of it all together and use the one used on last night's episode (the one that ranked foods out of 100 based on ALL the important factors such as salt content, etc.). Posted by: Erin-Marie | Jan 28, 08 02:03 PM

I was upset by the broadcast last night. The H&S Foundation is a non-profit organization trying to help fight heart disease. Their system for labeling is based on looking at fat and sodium as the major culprits of heart disease - not sugar. You forgot to mention that they are currently pioneering banning of trans fat from all processed foods - this is a major battle with manufacturers in an effort to significantly reduce heart disease. It's all about balanced eating, making choices and being informed. It's like anything else that you buy: cars, homes, investments....you always have to do your homework. Posted by: Shemina | Jan 28, 08 02:07 PM

I used to hold the Heart & Stroke Foundation in high regard. I thought they were on a mission to protect our health and improve our diets and lifestyles but now I learn they have their price. Posted by: Robert Riggan | Jan 28, 08 03:20 PM

Shame on you, Marketplace, for presenting a biased piece of "journalism." Hundreds of food manufacturers in Canada have reduced the amount of fat and sodium in their foods to earn the Healthcheck, causing competing manufacturers to follow suit. The Heart and Stroke Foundation is not suggesting that their Healthchecked foods are more nutritious than a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain, and the like. The idea that someone would choose a Healthchecked item over fresh produce is ridiculous and insults the intelligence of Canadian consumers. The symbol simply recognizes products that meet HSF standards, which are based on the Canada Food Guide. Furthermore, to compare Healthchecked items with US rating systems is ridiculous, as they have a completely different food guide. To test EVERY product (and for free at that) as suggested in the show would cost an obscene amount of money and is something I feel should be done by the government, not a non-profit group that has more important things to do with their donor's money - like put it in the hands of Nationally renowned researchers. I think the system is brilliant - if you want the check, comply with their standards and DONATE (not pay for - are you kidding? HSF is non-profit) to an organization that supports life-saving research. I think the show Marketplace is a scam all in itself - claiming to shed light on so-called rip-offs when all it does is present a one-sided, biased view on organizations that are working hard to make a difference. I will continue to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation and I hope those of you that are keen enough to see through Marketplace's biased bull will continue to support them as well. Posted by: Lindsay | Jan 28, 08 05:59 PM

Think about it: even if HSF collected $2.5 million in application fees for this program in a year, it would be illegal for them under the registered charities act to line their personal pockets with that money. If it goes towards their mission and/or to improve a program like health check, what exactly is the problem? The health check has taught the public to look at labels more closely. What other organization can be thanked for that? Posted by: Lynn | Jan 28, 08 11:55 PM

Congrats to the CBC. We need more programming like this to expose just exactly how the food industry is leading everyone down the garden path with their glitzy ads and misleading packaging. Unfortunately, it only scratches the surface of what is really going on. My personal opinion is 'if man made it, don't eat it'. Any food made by a machine is not real food. How can it be? ALL processed foods contain poisons that should not be legal for human consumption. Refined sugars, huge amounts of sodium, chemical preservatives, artificial flavours and colours, and a host of other chemicals that should never leave the laboratory let alone end up in our food. All prepackaged foods contain at least 3 of these ingredients. If you don't believe me then just read the label. We all wonder why our disease and cancer rates have skyrocketed over the past 50 years. You don't need to look any farther than the grocery store shelves for the answer. It's no coincidence that these rates have climbed exponentially with the increased popularity and consumption of processed foods. Posted by: Fred Minotti | Jan 29, 08 10:59 AM

Nutrition and heart health are major considerations in my family, and I am confident in Health Check. I appreciate that the program is Canadian, and is based on our food guide. I also like that it is independent. A more balanced piece of journalism on Marketplace would have mentioned that Health Check is non-profit, so participation fees fund the program on a cost-recovery basis. It would have noted that the program is about healthy eating – not special diets. (It’s all on the Health Check website.) In an ideal world, Health Check would hang its banner over the fresh produce section of the grocery store, and for that matter, from the ceiling of my kitchen to promote cooking from scratch. But when life gets busy, the Health Check symbol is an excellent point of reference. Kudos to the Heart and Stroke Foundation for establishing this program, and for its leadership on so many nutrition-related issues. Posted by: Heather Blackmore | Jan 29, 08 02:12 PM

I was shocked to say the least after watching your story on H&S labeling. Thank you Marketplace for bringing this to our attention. I just brought my husband home from Toronto, having gone through a triple by-pass heart operation. I had shopped that very day of your story. I was exhausted and stressed and after reading so many labels after picking up a few fresh vegetables and fruits, came across the bright red check of the Heart and Stroke association seal of approval. I thought this was brilliant, the Heart and Stroke Foundation would know what a heart patient should choose and picked the checked products over other brands, because of it! NEVER AGAIN. Posted by: Lynne | Jan 29, 08 03:45 PM

I was shocked to hear how the Heart & Stroke Foundations "health check" can be bought. Many people go by this "health check" thinking they are making a healthy choice not knowing that they could be doing more harm than good. In the long run this choice could be a contributing factor to them or a loved one having a heart attack or stroke. I will no longer buy any product with this "health check" and I am telling anyone who will listen how the "health check" is bought for a price. The Heart & Stroke Foundation needs to change this immediately or our government should step in and have it end. The "health check" symbol is only going to cost our health care system more money. Posted by: Juli | Jan 29, 08 09:59 PM

I always had my hesitations about a non-government sponsored health labeling program, especially since I saw the "smart spot" label on bottles of Pepsi. After watching this, I have even more reason to be suspicious. I can't believe that the Heart and Stroke Foundation's program would not take into account things like sodium or sugar! I prefer to simply go with the nutrition label; it may take a little longer, but at least the information is a little more trustworthy. Posted by: Brian | Jan 29, 08 10:36 PM

Our society is so driven by the almighty dollar that even the agencies which are supposed to protect us are influenced. I trusted that the heart and stroke symbol check was the right choice - now I know better. Posted by: Betty Smith | Jan 29, 08 11:16 PM

Like a few of your commenters, I too had too take some time before commenting on the Health Smart check on products. For many years now, actually since nutritional facts have been placed on products I have used the info found there to buy wiser and must admit that in the past yr. have bought some products solely because they have had the check on their label. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I trusted the check until I found out that it can be bought by just about anybody. Kinda makes one suspicious of the Heart and Stroke Foundation when they will sell peace of mind for the right price. I donate to the HSF every year. Isn`t that money supposed to fund such endeavors by the HSF? One would assume it did. Well they are one organization that will need to straighten up and fly right before I donate to them again. Posted by: Kaye Willisko | Jan 30, 08 11:21 PM

Marketplace’s pledge to “weed out wrongdoing against consumers…” falls well short in this review. I have visited the Health Check website – there is little controversy here… unless you control the airtime and intend to manufacture a controversy! They compare Health Check with two American systems, both of which are not relevant as they would be illegal to operate in Canada as presented, since they do not comply with federal regulations and by their own account, one has even failed to receive FDA approval! The show identifies other Canadian systems such as Loblaws ‘Blue Menu’, Pepsi Cola’s ‘Smart Spot’, Kraft Food’s ‘Sensible Solutions’ but DOES NOT do a comparison to them – the marketplace that WE have to navigate. They suggest that enough money can buy the logo. Scientific criteria determine eligibility.There is full disclosure on every package and 40% of goods only pay a cost recovery fee in the order of $300.00. The “Medical Expert” compares ‘light cigarettes’ to foods with high levels of salt and sugar. This is offensive. There is no safe level of the toxins in any cigarette. On the other hand, there is no scientific consensus on appropriate levels of salt and sugar in a given food. He suggests that people will not buy fresh broccoli because there are ‘french fries’ with a logo. When BUYING ‘french fries’, people will choose from among several brands of ‘fries’ in mere seconds. Health Check can help them make a better choice. Healthy eating is a complex notion. Simplistic reviews such as this, while sensationalistic, only serve to further befuddle consumers. This helpful system has moved consumers, manufacturers and the food supply to a healthier place. What is Ms. Mesley trying to protect us from? Posted by: Douglas MacQuarrie | Jan 31, 08 12:53 AM

The most important thing of all is you made a lot more people aware of how to better assess a perceived healthy choice. Having read all of the submissions, I was disappointed with the pro H&S people not being more aware of how a Non-Profit organization works. The Health Check rep. probably earns a salary that would make most of us drool. High salary means money spent which means you maintain your "non-profit" status. I have no doubts that protecting that salary sits foremost in the rep., and her colleagues' minds. If you review the Canadian government's requirements between qualifying as a non-profit vs. a charity, you may have less trust in the non-profit moniker. I believe the H&S Foundation is a charity, while their subsidiary Health Check program is a non-profit. H&S should scrap the Health Check and focus on their truly great charitable work. Message for the companies that paid for the logo, for my future purchases you just wasted your money because I will vigorously avoid your labeled products, and I counsel others to do the same. Hit them in the corporate pocket, that's the only thing that will make them change, short of legislation (don't get me started on that one). Posted by: P. Jackson | Jan 31, 08 10:39 AM

The Heart & Stroke Foundation's “health check” logo will be my guide of what food company products to avoid. Since the Heart & Stroke Foundation has proven that it values money more than our health, it has lost my trust as well as my donations. Posted by: stan m | Jan 31, 08 06:02 PM

When will things change? Big corps and the government have everything to gain and we the consumers have everything to lose. Instead of people running into heart/blood clot or stroke problems you'll get diabetes and high blood pressure instead. Posted by: Justin | Jan 31, 08 06:32 PM

I was told about the Marketplace report on the HSF Health Check program and just finished watching the archived program online. I immediately sent off an email to HSF letting them know that I had lost any respect that I had for the Health Check symbol and their organization. Further, I let them know that I would be sending the link to the archived program to everyone I know and advising them to pass it on to others as well. The entire Health Check system should be revamped or scrapped and definitely should never become the sole standard in Canada in its current form. Posted by: R. Drummond | Jan 31, 08 10:29 PM

CBC This was DISTORTED and DAMAGING. It seems that you are more interested in bashing a credible health charity than in presenting a balanced, accurate story. The Heart and Stroke rep. was not given enough opportunity to explain the program and put your concerns in perspective. Having a background in nutrition, I know the program is not perfect, but you made it sound much worse than it is. Who is to say the American programs you highlighted are the standard to which Health Check should be compared? Given some of their ratings - I'm not sure why you feel they are superior. (ex. unsaturated margarine received no stars - given that the new Food Guide recommends we eat added unsaturated fat every day - why no stars?) . If you are truly concerned about the health of Canadians perhaps you should pursue more offending facets of the food industry, government policy makers and turn the camera on yourselves - the media. For years the media has had a hand in negatively influencing our health - this is just another example. By positioning yourselves falsely as protecting the consumer, you have likely caused harm to the consumer. You have succeeded in causing thousands of Canadians to question their relationship with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada - an organization which for years has contributed in countless positive ways to the health of our communities. In fact, you have likely impacted the ability for the Foundation to contribute to Canadians' health in the future. I have always found your program interesting but will not watch it in the future for fear that you are distorting information to build a juicy story for your viewers. CBC has lost my trust. The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada maintains my trust. Posted by: Mary | Feb 1, 08 09:46 PM

Appalling. How much more accurate - and heaven forbid, honest - would it be to say "Sorry, we needed money and have been leading Canadians astray with unhealthy criteria and we will stop, fix it and back off even asking to be the only certification until we get honest and real". This smacks of betrayal to me - You, Heart and Stroke, purport to offer expertise then fudge around with "well, we are leading consumers in a healthy direction..." Ha. Posted by: Crisanna MacLeod | Feb 6, 08 12:59 PM

I think it is important to question advertising. Rating systems constantly change so perhaps the Heart and Stroke could clean up their act - but the operation of the program is greatly reduced by not accurately comparing all products and aligning their organization with the purchase power of the long corporate arm. When did science become selective? If a public company has to make a life and death decision do you think the consumer or the *shareholder* wins? (which is probably the real reason our food industry is even creating this appalling need to evaluate how bad food can get) Why risk the integrity of the heart and stroke by putting themselves into that same questionable position? Right or wrong, the way the Heart and Stroke operate this system is prone to massive collision of interests and corruption. Besides are consumers that naive to think that french fries are healthy? How about we slow down the pace of our 'busy' lives to eat real, fresh food and then we won't have to worry about the Cancer rates flying out of control, or is it not obvious that this over processed garbage is linked to that, yet? Posted by: Clinton | Feb 8, 08 02:48 AM

I was researching the Health Check system for a documentary project last night and came across your report. Nice job! I was very impressed with your eye-opening coverage of this very important subject - so much so that I've added a link to my documentary's website to help spread the word. With so many food-related health issues facing the public these days it is encouraging to see CBC doing its part to provide the public with the material they need to make informed choices. For those interested in seeing some of the issues I hope to address in "Are You Gonna Eat That? The Food Documentary", they can take a peek at a preview clip here: http://www.areyougonna.org/ayget_trailer_v1.htm Thanks again for your report and keep up the good work! Posted by: Steve Dawson | Feb 10, 08 10:34 AM

I am very disgusted with H&S. I will no longer buy products with the health check logo. In fact I will avoid products involved in the scam. Posted by: Brad | Feb 14, 08 07:19 PM

I think greater attention to nutrition is long overdue. I think consumers misunderstand when they are told to "read the label" when shopping. What this means is actually read the INGREDIENTS and the NUTRITION PANEL. Everything else is advertising. A great resource for Canadians to get educated about nutrition is the Nutrition Action magazine. It's a monthly magazine with brand analysis (e.g., rating all granola bars), recipes, and critical analysis of nutrition-related news and research. Best of all, there is NO ADVERTISING. I have subscribed for a couple of years and always learn something new. Posted by: Rachelle | Feb 22, 08 07:03 AM

Media hype can be revolting at times. Remember, if you eat well most of the time, it really doesn't matter if you eat a muffin that has 2 1/2 teaspoons of sugar in it once in a while. Looking at the crap that most Canadians buy for themselves and their families, the health check foods are healthier than some of the nutritionally disgusting options that are available. In a perfect world, we would all eat whole, unprocessed foods but that's simply not our reality. The mom I saw the other day with a baby drinking kool-aid in a bottle would probably make better choices if using the super-basic health check program. For the rest of you with enough common sense to be a step above that woman - learn how to read nutrition labels. By the way, I'm a working mother and I can still find time to make real food, healthy food that doesn't come from a box... Posted by: Victoria | Feb 23, 08 11:13 PM

I guess the adage "everyone has their price" also applies to Heart & Stroke. This foundation should be ashamed. What other influences from big business are lingering in their closet. Next time they ask me for money I will think twice. Posted by: Ross | Feb 27, 08 08:33 PM

I already knew that the Health Check logo was for sale so I was always a little suspicious of it, but after watching your show, I am convinced that the program should be scraped and replaced with something better. When I see the Health Check logo now, I think of dishonesty, greed, and corruption. Thanks for turning a marketing gimmick upside down. Your show is a great service to Canadians. Posted by: David Lewis | Mar 4, 08 08:14 AM

Please join the Facebook group calling for a boycott of products that bare the health check logo. Visit: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10723407597 Posted by: Brad | Mar 8, 08 08:14 PM

This entire program really opened my eyes. It is hard to fathom that the Heart and Stroke Foundation (that I have donated a considerable amount of money to) would seriously consider these items being healthy. I am a 'box reader'. I do compare. I have found items in the past with better nutritional benefits than the ones with the Health Check but still went with the Health Check brand thinking that there was something that the Heart and Stroke Foundation knew that I didn't. Sad. Coming from a family with a large history of heart disease, I want to be aware and alert when it comes to the food that I eat. Thank you for this informative program. I will be more alert in the future! You cannot trust every 'non profit' group. Posted by: Margaret Verge | Mar 17, 08 06:24 PM

My mouth was literally hanging open through this whole show! I couldn't believe the information that was provided. You know I would have usually picked the health check, mainly because my dad is unable to eat a lot of stuff due to his heart! You think the health check symbol with a big red HEART would be assumed that it's healthy enough for people with heart problems! Clearly not...I was already starting to be more aware and check more then one label!! But I would be more persuaded to go to the health check symbol....NOT ANYMORE!!! :) thanks marketplace!!!! Posted by: Erica | Mar 26, 08 08:00 PM

This is deplorable. The Heart and Stoke's Health check symbol should not be for sale to the highest bidder. And, should be earned by those who are able to bear this mark. Posted by: Lori | Mar 26, 08 08:03 PM

Great program CBC! Thank you! I thought it was very odd to see that check mark on questionable products before. I've never trusted any system other than my own...the one passed down from my mother & past generations; the more natural and untouched the better for me and my family. Do we really need an agency to inform Canadians which foods are the healthiest? I think the health check system failed and should be taken off all products. Come on Canadians trust your instincts..we don't need this system. If you must buy a packaged product then read the label. I think we've become so lazy with preparing meals that most of us think it's faster and easier to prepare precooked/frozen products. It really isn't, it just takes a few minutes to think up a meal plan for the week and have the products on hand to cook them. It's amazing you'll end up with your own healthy fast food ...leftovers! It also saves a lot of money! Posted by: Karen Breen | Mar 26, 08 08:03 PM

Words alone cannot describe what all Canadians and I are feeling after watching this program. This business strategy is commonplace in major corporations but in a charitable foundation? They should not be allowed to get away with this... It reinforces the idea that you can't trust anyone anymore and money corrupts all. Shame on you heart and stroke. Posted by: Tibor | Mar 26, 08 09:03 PM

I think we are reading too much in the logo. It does say Heart and Stroke; not heart and diabetes and weight loss and what ever else. I only look at it as a guide, the rest is up to the consumer. None the less the program did bring out good points and it would be nice to have an all around watchdog for good nutrition. It sure sends a message to the food industry thank you. Posted by: Therese Genier | Mar 26, 08 09:09 PM

Not only is this a disservice to the Canadian population but it certainly brings the credibility of the Heart & Stroke Foundation into the spotlight. But then again, if you are truly concerned about what you eat you would not rely on a "healthy" labelling system alone. The nutrition facts are on products for a reason, one of them being that we have options - to eat healthy or not. I will not purchase any products with the "Health Check" label as I have found that most of the product promoted is not the healthiest choice. However, if companies can put that "flashy symbol" onto packaging then I guess somone accomplished what they set out to do - increased sales for corporations who can afford to pay the price - great marketing; general misinformation - confuse joe bloe public; diminish the effectiveness and credibility of the one foundation that should be educating people properly on the "ideal" healthy eating habits. Is this Foundation really trying to save lives or shorten them? Posted by: LH | Mar 26, 08 09:16 PM

HealthCheck is a gimmick. The Heart and Stroke Foundation insists admits that, while the system is not perfect, its intentions are honourable and steers Canadians in a healthier direction. Well, how do they *know* that? Have they accounted for typical human behaviour? For example, did they survey how many people complacently purchase HealthCheck-only foods and believe they're eating a close-to-ideal diet, instead of properly educating themselves about food criteria? But far more importantly, instead of engaging in guesswork over the success of their program, has the Health and Stroke Foundation invested in a scientific double-blind study proving that Canadians who follow the HealthCheck system are statistically eating a healthier diet compared to a) average Canadians, or b) Canadians who ignore any health-related marketing and rely on their own brains, or c) Canadians who follow a more comprehensive system? What REALLY bothers me is that Health and Stroke Foundation are lobbying to make their gimmicky flawed arbitrary system THE national standard, instead of gracefully ceding that vacancy to a better, more comprehensive system. Posted by: Art | Mar 26, 08 10:07 PM

After watching your program we see another example of a good idea gone bad. The spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation had a very difficult time explaining/justifying their position when faced with the results your Reporter presented. How can any program/government/organization etc. expect to present an honest and unbiased opinion on any product when the producers of this product are paying a fee to the rating organization. I have always been a proud supporter of the Heart & Stoke Foundation as a heart attack survivor who received timely advice from this organization. I now find my belief in this organization greatly shaken. Posted by: Dave | Mar 26, 08 10:08 PM

HealthCheck is a gimmick. The Heart and Stroke Foundation insists admits that, while the system is not perfect, its intentions are honourable and steers Canadians in a healthier direction. Well, how do they KNOW that? Have they accounted for typical human behaviour? For example, did they survey how many people complacently purchase HealthCheck-only foods and believe they're eating a close-to-ideal diet, instead of properly educating themselves about food criteria? But far more importantly, instead of engaging in guesswork over the success of their program, has the Health and Stroke Foundation invested in a scientific double-blind study proving that Canadians who follow the HealthCheck system are statistically eating a healthier diet compared to a) average Canadians, or b) Canadians who ignore any health-related marketing and rely on their own brains, or c) Canadians who follow a more comprehensive system? What REALLY bothers me is that Health and Stroke Foundation are lobbying to make their gimmicky flawed arbitrary system THE national standard, instead of gracefully ceding that vacancy to a better, more comprehensive system. Posted by: Art | Mar 26, 08 10:08 PM

Wow. I just watched your segment on this. I had no idea that the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Health Check system didn't evaluate ALL the products out there. What I really can't believe is that just because a company pays to have the 'check mark' they get it, without necessarily being the healthiest choice compared to similar brands! I think a lot of people immediately trusted this 'check mark'. Well, I for one, won't anymore. Thanks CBC. Posted by: E | Mar 26, 08 10:10 PM

Thank you so much for bringing this issue to light. This is a gross abuse of trust, and I am appalled that the health & stroke foundation puts their stamp of approval on foods that truly are not good for us. Previously, I looked for this label on products & bought those with the health check before those without it. Not any more! Hopefully we will get one of the other food assessment companies like ONKI in Canada - soon. I also hope that the people responsible for promoting the health check at the health & stroke foundation feel the ramifications of their decisions now that they are exposed. Posted by: Cheryl | Mar 26, 08 10:23 PM

Thank-you so much for your program. While watching it, I reflected back on all the times that I have bought products thinking they were a better choice because of the heart and stroke symbol. I think it is very clear the only thing to depend on when making food choices is ourselves and to read the labels. Great show, and keep up the good work. Posted by: Leah Madore | Mar 26, 08 10:54 PM

After my heart attack, I went through a healthy heart program and at this time learned about the heart check. I leaned towards looking at products with the check, but I kept two factors foremost - saturated fat and sodium. As a result I have rejected many products with the heart check and found some excellent products without the check. A little common sense will do you well. Posted by: Bill Robulack | Mar 26, 08 11:07 PM

Thank you for your very informative investigative report on the H&S Check as a guideline for choosing healthier food in supermarkets. Kudos to you for showing us that 'we' can't just recognize this logo as a sign that the food inside the container is good for us, and we don't have to spend hours checking out the nutritional information listed on the package. Yes, it's up to all of us to make good choices, but it doesn't help when we're given a bum steer by such a highly recognized organization. Isn't that one of the main reasons why the logo has been placed on the packaging in the first place? Otherwise, what is the purpose? Obviously a really good form of fund raising with the least amount of effort on their part. Oh well, back to the drawing board...... Posted by: Susan | Mar 26, 08 11:23 PM

I'd like to thank you for your show tonight about the Heart and Stroke's Health Check Symbol. I'm a consumer who tries to read product labels when I shop, but like most busy Canadians, I also look for recommendations from trusted sources like the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Your show tonight made me consider becoming better educated myself in the choices I make and to not be so quick to rely on symbols like Health Check. Sometimes it's really about common sense. Over processed foods are generally not going to be the healthiest of choices. Thanks for opening our eyes and reminding us to listen to our own intuition again. Posted by: Vanessa | Mar 26, 08 11:29 PM

While I appreciate the shortcomings of the Heart & Stroke Foundation's Health Check system, I thought the program missed a point. The criticism that Health Check'ed french fries aren't really very healthy is valid, but at least the approved ones are generally less unhealthy than those not approved (IF one were to be intent on eating french fries). Same goes for soups (virtually all of which still contain far too much sodium, aside from the US Health Valley brand which I don't believe to be readily available in Canada). It's a start anyway. That being said, I still feel the Health Check program should be funded by government, not food manufacturers, and a rating system should be employed. Posted by: Peter | Mar 26, 08 11:31 PM

What I found so appalling about this show was the way the spokeswoman for the Health Check program defended it so insistently when faced with facts that should have had her apologizing for the apparent scam it is. To tell us that food producers are "moving in the right direction" when still adding copious quantities of salt and sugar to their products is ridiculous. Shame on you Heart & Stroke Foundation! Your Heart Check symbol now simply indicates a "Don't Buy Me" alert. And you can take that to the bank! Posted by: Marianne | Mar 27, 08 12:45 AM

Just watched the show tonight. It goes to prove that you cannot replace professional (parental) judgment with a symbol. I know it seems convenient to pick up a box with the label but really, have we become that lazy. Especially since ingredients and nutritional info is right on the back. Luckily our family does not buy a lot of staples. We have them on hand mostly for emergencies. We don't shop the big box stores such as Superstore/Costco since we don't benefit from what they have to sell in bulk. 90% of our grocery is fruits/veggies, meat and dairy. I must say that it is a shame, but I am not surprised by your findings. These organizations take advantage of the fact that people are looking for fast and convenient solutions but I don't think there is such a thing. Just a question - What are your thoughts on BRANDPOWER (Helping you buy better)? I think this is another organizations which is paid to advertise their products. "Shopper Beware!" Posted by: Rene | Mar 27, 08 01:25 AM

It continues to amaze me how much of their own power and responsibility people are willing to throw into the hands of "someone else". "But the sticker said it was good for me!" Really??? Do we really know that little about processed foods, not to know that they generally aren't good for you? Really? in 2008? The show was good in pointing out the conflict of interest, I just thought people in general knew better than to place their faith and health in the hands of anyone other than themselves! No one has your interest at heart more than you!!! Take responsibility! Posted by: Margarer | Mar 27, 08 11:25 AM

It amazes me how much money rules the world!! The H&S Foundation doesn’t even stop for our health! How can they try and justify their Health Check logo just because there is, or maybe not even, a little bit less sodium in that special item. The H&S Foundation should be ashamed of themselves. How do they sleep at night? Do I still support them? I don’t know. They get the money form the food companies. Your program was a big eye opener. Thank you for making my life easier. Posted by: Katrine Schmid | Mar 27, 08 12:26 PM

I could hardly believe what I was hearing and seeing last night on your show. It upset me greatly, but I have to say thank you for educating us all. I e-mailed the following to them this morning. Dear Health Check People, I am a mother of two lovely girls, age 1 and 4. I consider myself and educated and smart person, but do find life to be very busy especially in a grocery store with two little ones. My 40 year old husband had a heart attack in October 2007, and then bypass surgery as a result. Since then we have made drastic life and food changes for our whole family. I was appalled to find out from Market Place, that companies purchase the logo for their products. I guess I was under the false assumption that you rewarded the company the logo, if they met certain standards. Not to mention finding out how low your health standards really are. I trusted you!! I loved seeing the check on products, and bought them because they had the check. I thought you saved me time in the store, trying to stand and read the labels, with two children is next to impossible at times. My husband has changed his life to stay healthy for me, and his two beautiful daughters. He cannot get any life insurance, or disability insurance, so it is up to us for our families future. I will no longer buy ANY product that contains the health check. I will tell as many people that I know about the findings of Market Place. I will ask those people to pass it along, word of mouth is a very strong advertising logo as well. I will tell people in the grocery store not to purchase those products and why. My husband will tell his heart rehab people, and ask them to pass it along too. We will tell as many people that we can get to listen to us. This is our family promise to you, and your health check!! Sincerely disappointed, Posted by: Nicola | Mar 27, 08 12:52 PM

When I called Campbell's last month to ask why Mushroom soup had 70% of my daily recommended sodium usage, the customer service rep said I didn't have to eat it! I agreed with her. I won't buy Campbell's for my family ever again. Posted by: Robert Thomas | Mar 27, 08 01:06 PM

The powers that be, in this case the Heart and Stroke Foundation, have once again, been found to unashamably treat us like idiots. Even when confronted with unarguable numbers, they maintain their ground. Do they, or the public, take note to compare the facts and consider this irony...? The Health Checked macaroni and cheese product contains 850 mg sodium per serving, while in B.C. the Ministry of Health and Education do not even allow schools to serve any product containing more that 300 mg sodium per serving. Posted by: anne | Mar 27, 08 02:19 PM

This is an outrage; thank you for the eye opener. Not for profit organization, but in the end someone has to get paid for their efforts; seems that the administration costs they are talking about are for sale to the highest bidder. Heart and Stroke Foundation seeks out its own self interest before serving the public. Posted by: Michael M | Mar 27, 08 03:03 PM

Well once again Marketplace has misrepresented a program that in fact follows the Canada Food Guide and is a third party impartial approach to trying to guide Canadians into at least healthier food choices. I don't know about the many misguided individuals that have written in in favour of the show, but as a busy father of three, if the choice is health check and follows the food guide than I would much rather give that to my kids than the other choice. On another note, I as an avid supporter of the foundation financially would be disgusted if the foundation used donor money to pay for this program. Just because companies pay for the check doesn't mean they get it. Many companies pay to register for the check and their products don't qualify...so your reporting is once again misguided at the expense of an organziation that funds community programs and medical research projects that save lives...congratulations CBC for your irresponsible and destructive reporting. Posted by: Tej Sidhu | Mar 27, 08 03:15 PM

I just watched the program about the heart & stroke foundations health check system. I am a pharmacist and i have always been of the understanding that the HSF assessed the foods that wear their health check label. I feel duped. What bothers me more is the fact that as an "educated professional" i was not aware of how this program works. How dare they take the trust of Canadians who suffer from heart disease and profit from the marketing of this trusted logo. we work hard as health care professionals to get people to change their lifestyles on the road to recovery. I do not believe that the HSF has the best interests of the patient at heart. I will begin telling my patients NOT TO TRUST THIS PROGRAM starting tomorrow! Great work! Posted by: Michael Danchuk | Mar 27, 08 09:36 PM

Learning to read the nutritional labels on food is still the best way to assess their "healthiness". I don't tend to trust conventional processed foods (check the sodium content in Shreddies!) and I read all labels on any organic products I buy. The Health Check doesn't take into consideration pesticide use or GMO's in foods it promotes. It comes down to this - if you make stuff yourself, you know what's in it. Or, to quote my step-daughter, "if you eat junk food you'll have junk health." Posted by: Eileen | Mar 27, 08 10:43 PM

the only packaging label i care about is the one with the nutrient info on the back, which also needs to be read with skepticism (there is an allowed-for margin of error in the calorie content, for example). i am thankful that i can rely on my own intellect and make my own decisions, & not have to be mindlessly swayed by one logo telling me to buy something & wait for a TV news program telling me to not to. Posted by: anita cloutier | Mar 28, 08 10:40 AM

I hope your coverage of the 'health check' that the Heart and Stroke Foundation provides for food suppliers will initiate change. Their intent is a positive one and should be encouraged for more improvements from the food processor. However it doesn't seem right that they accept money and their standards don't seem to be very good. keep up the good work Posted by: Glenn | Mar 28, 08 07:28 PM

the following is an excerpt that I received from health Check regarding (what I considered) excessive sodium levels in foods.... Health Check was developed in response to consumer questions around identifying healthy products in the grocery store. It is a population health prevention model that was developed for healthy Canadians above the age of 2 years and uses nutrition criteria based on Canada's Food Guide. It was not developed as a therapeutic program for people with chronic disease of those who suffer from elevated risk factors. It is our belief that those people would be under the care of a qualified health professional and should seek their help for help with meal planning. The sodium levels that we use to determine acceptable levels in food products, meals in restaurants or recipes use the limits developed by Health Canada that permit the use of heart health claims. That limit is about 2300mg of sodium per day, much more than the levels prescribed for therapeutic or sodium restricted diets. We are committed to reducing sodium in foods in Canada and will continue to work with the food industry to try and find ways to further reduce the sodium levels in all products that are associated with our program. The Heart and Stroke website contains many interesting ideas for reducing sodium. Posted by: Tom | Mar 29, 08 04:08 PM

It's not surprising to hear that the Heart & Stroke Foundation's system is fee-based. I'm skeptical of the motives of many of these high-profile non-profit groups, like HSFC and the Canadian Cancer Society. In the age of industrialized food production, the whole science of nutrition has made the consumption of food much more complicated than it should be. Michael Pollan, a journalist and author of "In Defense of Food" was a guest on "The Hour" a few nights ago. He has the right idea: shop around the periphery of the grocery store and eat the foods that have been processed and tampered with the least - fresh fruits and vegetables, diary, eggs and meats. He says we should "eat food [but] not too much and mostly plants". Pollan's back-to-basics suggestions on food and nutrition are definitely worth considering. And when you follow basic principles like these, you don't have much contact with questionable endorsements, checkmarks, and rating systems. Posted by: Hannah | Mar 29, 08 04:39 PM

Great piece of journalism. Cannot believe what organizations do for money - sell their souls. Now I will just skip over the products with this logo. It adds no value to my decision making process. Posted by: sas | Mar 29, 08 05:46 PM

I am highly disappointed in the supposed journalism and reporting that went into this program. This was nothing more than bashing at best. First to state that individuals do not have time to read labels or do not take time to read labels and should be able to make purchases without verifying the contents is part of the problem. If people cannot or do not take time to understand what they are buying then they deserve what they take home. Secondly for the doctor to state that a health check on french fries is keeping people out of the fruit and vegetable aisle is insane. What this actually means; if I choose to purchase french fries I will take the checked over the unchecked package of the same product. It will not keep me from the aisles of nutritious food. Labels are on packaging for a reason; people need to read them. Posted by: Ali | Mar 29, 08 08:12 PM

As an Applied Human Nutrition student and the University of Guelph, I think that the CBC market place program has highlighted awareness to consumers about the heart and stoke foundations health check system is slightly misleading. As aspiring nutrition professionals and dietitians we(students) are aware that the Health check system is a marketing strategy as our professors at the university have discussed with us that is costs money to put the health check system on products. I agree with the CBC that these products are misleading and require re-evaluation. It is helpful to educate consumers that don’t have extensive knowledge about healthy products on what is really behind the heart and strokes health claims. Good Work! Posted by: Nicole Holland | Mar 29, 08 08:15 PM

Enjoyed your heart smart, 'healthy food'program. However!!! Are we so lazy as to just reach for a can opener so we can eat 'dinner' or rip open a box so we can feed our children 'nutritious' food??? Zero folk on your program walked down the veggie isle, nor did the Mom take the extra ten minutes to boil real macaroni, grate real cheese, add a tablespoon of real butter instead of offering her beautiful child chemicals from a box. She had a state of the art kitchen yet couldn't spend a few minutes cooking in it??? What is wrong with us as a society? Saddens me to no end....just a thought. Posted by: Nancy | Mar 29, 08 11:22 PM

Thank you Wendy and the Marketplace team for revealing the Heart and Stroke Health Check program 'scam'. Unbelievable. And how frightening to consider that people with heart conditions who grocery shop would actively look for and rely upon that symbol as regarding it to recommend something that is good/healthy for you. Shame on the Heart & Stroke Foundation (on whose behalf I've plodded door-to-door canvasing in inclement weather for a number of years) for putting the $'s ahead of the public's well-being. Thanks again for revealing the truth, and perhaps saving my husband's health. Posted by: Mrs. McIntosh | Mar 30, 08 12:21 AM

A message to the Heart & Stroke Foundation : If you're going to put a program in place to promote healthy food choices, don't just do it half way. Everything should be looked at, fat, trans fat, salt, sugar, fiber etc. Don't be such hypocrites,..and quit prostituting yourself. I know that the next time the Heart & Stroke Foundation comes knocking at my door, I'll certainly tell them where to go get their money! Thanks Marketplace for such good investigative reporting, keep up the good work! Posted by: O. Doiron | Mar 30, 08 07:13 AM

I don't understand the mentality of people who would place their health in the hands of food companies. To me it is just ignorance that drives this whole situation. My guide is Canada's food guide, and I don't see any illustrations of packaged chemically altered foods in this guide. How many times have we been told to stay out of the centre aisles in grocery stores? Convenience foods are expensive in more ways than one. There is no substitute for education. Thank you for exposing this labeling system for what it is, just another label. Posted by: Eve | Mar 30, 08 10:59 AM

Amazing eyeopener show! I would have never guessed that the products with the health & stroke labels actually paid for the label therefore corrupting the process. The health & check label is just a piece of advertisement. And we thought (and believed) that they had consumers health in their best interest. Politicians should act to prevent such a misguiding and shameful practice to benefit the advertising of big company products at the expense of consumers health. Posted by: Jose | Mar 30, 08 12:32 PM

Wendy Mesley ....you do a great job and i love your fearless approach and the fact you are not intimidated by some of these people....I have known for some time about the "health check" symbol and the fact it is "purchased" and because my husband is diabetic i don't rely on it any more....sugar does not seem to be something the heart and stroke organization is concerned about and they should be...consistent high sugar can lead to heart attacks and strokes...so if a diabetic went by that symbol they would be in a lot of trouble....many brands with no "check" are much healthier and the heart and stroke people should be encouraging fresh fruit and veggies instead of marketing and collecting money for their check mark and funding a program that has big flaws...Keep up the good work Wendy and thank you for exposing this program to more people for what it really is....worthless and misleading Posted by: Joyce McLaughlin | Mar 30, 08 12:42 PM

I would like to thank CBC for this insightful information. Ever since my Heart Attack (MI) I have only been buying food with Heart and Stroke logo with my eyes closed, thinking this will give me a better diet. Wow what a revelation. I was under the impression that the all food groups were checked and and the ones with the check were rated the best for us. I really appreciate your hard work for the public, thank you and keep up the good work. Posted by: Sonny | Mar 30, 08 12:48 PM

People are generally lazy. How many of you bothered to research the Health Check System so that you understood what the symbol meant when it appears on a product? No one rating system can possibly take into consideration all health related factors. How may of you bother to read the product labels to review its contents and decide for yourself whether it is appropriate for your particular health circumstances? From viewers earlier comments, very few. In addition a major issue that was not discussed in the show was the cost of healthy eating. Sure you can find foods lower in calories, sugar, fats, sodium and higher in fibre etc, but at what cost. The cheaper brands/house brands are usually less healthy but are the only products that a vast number of consumers can afford to purchase. It is too bad that your reporting was not more balanced and presented possible alternatives to improving the H&S's Health Check System or to suggest alternative systems that we could depend on. Maybe we should all learn to cook healthy food from scratch. Posted by: Bob Chamberlain | Mar 30, 08 03:09 PM

Just saw your story on "Health Check Logo". Your reporter had some really hard to answer question for the Lady from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Its unbelievable that this organization has been excepting money for their logo. Yes their program is not cheap to run but this is such an obvious conflict of interest. If the Canadian government is looking for a standard to judge the nutrition of food I hope they look long and hard before excepting the Heart and Stroke Foundations guide lines. The Hannaford Bros. system looked fair but lets make sure that all products are compared equally. Even the best product may note deserve recommending. I am finding that a number of the charitable Foundations and Societies are looking to increase their profile and bottom line as a business. It is to bad that what started out as a group of people concerned with the well being of society have turned into big business. Posted by: Ross Bagley | Mar 30, 08 03:34 PM

I just watched your show on the heart and stroke check. I'm disgusted, I've being buy them for my husband and myself thinking these were the best for us, my husband has Diabetes, so I've being feeding him the wrong foods. I trusted the label. Posted by: Brenda A. | Mar 30, 08 05:30 PM

VERY DISAPPOINTED in the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The way they are evaluating foods has me distrustful of the whole organization. I had always assumed they had high standards, but I will no longer trust their health check symbol and will no longer support them with my donations. Sad to think an organization like this is not up to higher standards. Only looking at foods that are paying for the check mark and using unacceptable standards is soooo misleading, and will hurt those who really do have health issues and are counting on the Heart and Stroke Foundation. They are doing a disservice to those that need them most - the young, the old, the busy, the poor. We can only hope that Canada can come up with a standardized health check that would apply to ALL foods, not just those that pay! Posted by: Lillian Dyck | Mar 30, 08 05:34 PM

I was not surprised at the results of you Health Check story, and am happy that you shared results with the public.What really astounds me is that people actually eat this processed and manufactured food. I cannot imagine the day that I would buy many of these products.People say they are too busy to make their own food, but since it is one of the most important parts of our health, after working my 12 hour day I make a meal from scratch and all it takes is turning off the TV,computer, and unplugging the phone for one hour a day.I am astonished that we never see scientific results of the real danger of these foods which is the chemical make up of most packaged and processed foods.Now this would be a story that would blow the minds of most consumers. If they were aware of what these chemicals do to their health they actually might start cooking again.There is no doubt that the chemicals put into packaged and processed foods is the number one cause of disease in North America.The sodium content and saturated fat content is important as well, but the very worst of these types of food is that society has accepted these killer chemicals be allowed to be used in processing.If you want to find the real reason for sickness and obesity, do a scientific related story on the processing of this mainstream consumer purchasing.It would be interesting to have a show that explains how these chemicals slow down metabolism and why there is an epidemic of obese children that have been brought up on these processed foods.Like Grandpa used to say "if it is too easy to make it probably aint very good for you".I challenge you to do a story on this from a scientific view to inform the public just how bad these foods are for us. Posted by: Darrell | Mar 30, 08 05:50 PM

Thank you so much for the show concerning Health Check. Having a family member with kidney dysfunction it can be a real challenge finding safe foods for him to eat. For a long time now I have ignored the health check symbol because it really doesn't mean a whole lot. Like you proved on your show, many health check items are still very high in sodium (even for people without prevalent health concerns). Yes it may be a better choice than another product but in the final analysis neither are great choices. Even our nutritional labeling falls a bit short. Often, potassium levels are not listed. Important for both kidney patients and people with high blood pressure. There are common high blood pressure medications that can significantly raise potassium levels and limiting your potassium intake (diet) is indicated. Even low sodium foods contain a potassium based additive to make it less bland. You would think that this would interest the Heart and Stroke foundation. Better labeling information is needed all around. Posted by: Brenda Clark | Mar 30, 08 06:00 PM

Just finished watching the program, and I'm honestly not surprised. Does anyone out there ACTUALLY think that these companies aren't paying heart and stroke for their logo?? The whole idea of putting a label on food to dictate to people what to eat reeks of absolute laziness. You want a REAL health check? How about you turn that can or box around and spend 30 seconds reading the nutritionals and list of ingredients. Thats about as close to an honest "health check" as you're gonna get. The idea of needing a "health check" logo to determine if a product is healthy or not is ridiculous. Read a book and educate yourself! You don't need a label or a sticker to tell you what is healthy and what is not! Posted by: brittany | Mar 30, 08 06:06 PM

I think it's deplorable that a well known and previously respected charity like Heart and Stroke Foundation would stoop to this level. It seems that large donations from big name companies like Campbell's have bought their way into using the Foundation's stamp of approval when in fact it's, misleading the consumer. I think supporting such a charity with a yearly personal donation should perhaps be reconsidered to go to a more worthy charity that cannot be "bought" by the big name corporations. This is very sad because millions of Canadian have put their trust in this foundation for many years. This is a shame, and shame on you Heart and Stroke Foundation! Thank you Marketplace for educating the public... Posted by: Barb H | Mar 30, 08 06:42 PM

i think it is amazing that they can do that. i am really happy you dug up the dirt behind Health Check. Before i learned this i was watching out for health check, trying to purchase things with it because i believed that they were healthier than some alternative choices. Now i see that they might not actually be healthier. Posted by: Sarah Johnson | Mar 30, 08 06:43 PM

Missed the program on the Heart & Stroke Foundation the first time it aired, but luckily caught it this time. Is this the same foundation that asks for support every February? If so is the money being used to pay the salary of that so called spokesperson for the foundation? It is hard to believe that anyone who is apparently capable of handling a job such as hers is not capable of seeing that what they endorse is untrue and misleading the public. I have always felt that this was a good charity and that the money I contributed was used for a good cause. My belief has been shattered and I will never again support this 'Business' (After all it can't be called a charity if they raise money by using untruths in their advertising, can it?) Thanks to Marketplace for bringing the truth to the unsuspecting public. Posted by: Val | Mar 30, 08 07:05 PM

I don't trust any marketing on any package. The problem is in our complete education on nutrition. I don't care what the packaging says, I would not feed mac and cheese, hamburgers, chocolate milk, and muffins as "regular food" to myself never mind a child. It is junk! Posted by: Lori Ogonoski | Mar 30, 08 09:04 PM

We watched your program yesterday. I wondered why I didn't see the HC symbol on very many of the products that we use. I realize now that I don't even look at them as they are mostly junk food. It is sad that the H&SF has accepted payment to endorse these unhealthy products. There are more respectable ways to raise money. It would be interesting to know if the H&SF has violated any advertising regulations by misleading the public. I hope that the H&SF calls for a donation, I will be sure to tell them why I am NOT supporting them. Posted by: Lisa | Mar 31, 08 01:05 PM

Thank You Marketplace for educating us Naive consumers!! And shame on you the heart and stroke!! You have certainly lost your creditability. I have read you mission statement and your values. And maybe you should adhere to them. Because you no longer have any integrity. Posted by: Donna Martin | Apr 2, 08 05:12 PM

Finally! I thought I was alone on this subject. I'm very glad to see that Marketplace evaluated the Health Check System as I have been struggling with their suggested healthier choices for the past year. Earlier this year I went to see a nutritionist to re-evaluate my food choices to lower my cholesterol and came out with a greater understanding of what I should be avoiding and how to read the nutrition labels. Also trying to lower cholesterol is my father, who had a stroke 2 years ago, and was told that the Health Check Symbol was his guide to better eating. To my surprise it wasn't. In fact, I was reading the facts on packages where that logo appeared and if I couldn't have them what makes you think my father can? For example, Campbell' Soup was one of them. There is simply too much sodium in it for me but not for a stroke patient? I tend to question that symbol everyday and now all I can do is educate my parents on how to read these facts and to be wary of such health claims. Thank you CBC Marketplace for pointing this out to me, my folks, and to everyone else who thought we had it simple. Posted by: Jennifer Boyce | Jul 6, 08 12:52 PM

I was shocked to realize how misleading the Health Check logo is. For the Health & Stroke Association, S-H-A-M-E O-N Y-O-U ! Posted by: Phil | Jul 19, 08 03:43 PM

The heart and stroke has just lost credibility with the Canadian people, they are for sale. The H&S spokesperson should run and hide , as she danced around every questioned asked of her,,,does she beleive what she is saying??? once again, its the dollar that speaks loudest... do not eat anything processed, that is how to eat healthy. Posted by: PAUL Davey | Jul 19, 08 04:04 PM

Although I'm late is seeing the Health Check system driven by the Heart & Stroke Foundation and food producers, I came away with disgust by the reasons given why Heart & Stroke should continue to provide the health check symbol. As far as I am concerned, that would be a travesty. I for one will not only not trust the market driven symbol I will make sure that all of my contacts know about it as well. Good Job Marketplace, Keep up the Good Work. Posted by: V. Leckett | Jul 19, 08 08:07 PM

Wow - I only caught part of this special report - but are you kidding me? As the 'busy' professional - I thought that the health check symbol was the way to go. If I can't determine which item seems healthier - I always defer to the health check symbol. I'm highly disappointed that the system I thought was not biased - is in fact! This program should be closed immediately until these issues are sorted out - or, at least publicize this story more so that we aren't following it blindly. I can't believe it - I bought the campbell's soups! I noticed there was lots of sodium - but I thought it was okay - it was health checked!!!! I'm disappointed that the Heart and Stroke foundation would develop and implement a program such as this - clearly - not in the public interest, and not in the interest in saving us from heart and stroke issues. I understand that they need money - but at least make a real program then. I will never be able to go back now. CBC - thanks for the good information - keep going! We need you. Posted by: Jane | Jul 20, 08 12:04 PM

I was told about the show segment from co-workers. I did get to watch it about 2 months ago, and immediately following the broadcast emailed the Heart and Stroke Foundation. I questioned them about the dubious claims made by the foundation regarding choices of "healthy" foods. As a parent of two small children I stated it was irresponsible and reprehensible that their previously "trusted" organization would simply allow companies to purchase their logo and that from this point on they had lost my trust completely and I would now make a concerted effort to avoid purchasing any items displaying the Health Check logo. I also inquired as to why they would institute a faulty, flawed and misleading guide instead of doing it correctly the first time. To date, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has not replied to my letter to them. In light of that, I have since contacted a dietitian who directed me to use the Mayo Clinic website which provides a detailed listing on what foods are desirable to maintain a healthy diet regarding health issues. I really feel Wendy and her team did an outstanding job on this issue and were surprisingly objective especially for the cbc. The dietitian for the Heart and Stroke Foundation had nothing to say that provided any reasonable defence or understanding of their position. Posted by: fred jarnell | Jul 20, 08 12:05 PM

I just watched your episode on the truth about the health check symbol. I'm a student trying to buy healthy food on my own and I couldn't believe that companies paid to be considered for the symbol. I guess it was naive to think that the heart and stroke foundation would want to put consumer's health before money BUT I'm also not surprised by the results. Its too bad ONQI doesn't publish a book listing common foods and their ratings that consumers could take to the grocery store when shopping. Thanks Marketplace for clearing up our ideas about the health check symbol! Posted by: Brittany | Jul 20, 08 12:08 PM

First of all thanks a million to Wendy for highlighting the health check system of heart and stroke foundation, Great job, you are saving our ( Canadians ) health and heart and foundation is not. I have lost confidence in the foundation. The spokesperson from the foundation had no legs to stand on against your tough questions, Thanks again for standing up for us. Posted by: Ca | Jul 20, 08 12:41 PM

I just recently watched a re-run of this program, it's the first time I've ever even heard of a problem with the heart and stroke check. And after watching this program I see there is a BIG problem in the standards. I would really like to shop by the onqi system, that seems like a much simpler and honest way to purchase healthier foods. It's a real shame that you really cannot trust the heart and stroke foundation.....it's all about money! Posted by: Miranda | Jul 20, 08 12:41 PM

Thank you VERY MUCH for re-airing this episode! Ever since I finished reading Michael Pollan's book "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" I have been very skeptical of the Heart and Stroke's Health Check symbol... it just doesn't make any sense, and certainly only adds to consumer confusion! As Michael Pollan says, the REAL healthy FOODS don't have to "proclaim" their healthfulness ("the silence of the yams" :P). I would LOVE to see something like the "Overall Nutritional Quality Index (ONQI)" in Canada! I really hope that the ONQI data ends up in the hands of a team of web developers... the "ONQI online calculator," sounds pretty good to me. Posted by: Kara Hawkins | Jul 20, 08 12:55 PM

I e mailed the heart and stroke foundation letting them know as consumer I will not believe anything they have to say, for they have lost my trust. By selling out they will cause more obese, heart and many other health issues for Canadians. As usual money talks. I have always felt that cooking your own food by scratch is the only way . Process , prepared foods may be fast but its whats killing us . Posted by: Mary | Jul 20, 08 01:12 PM

I was simply appalled by this story! Frankly, I’ll be avoiding foods with the Health Check logo (how’s THAT for great marketing?). The ONQI system is FAR superior and I’m amazed that the USA has a better food ranking system than we do! Posted by: Rob | Jul 20, 08 01:42 PM

Just saw your show today regarding the H & S health check. Wendy Mesley did a fantastic job in the interviews with the H & S spokesperson.........however she should not have let her get away without answering Wendy's questions directely. She totally skirted around the issues at hand and tried to cover up or changing the subject just as a little child would try to get out answering the direct question.I and my family have always believed in the H & S and their statements and programs. I along with my family and as many others as I can tell this story to (most via email) I hope will not support their lotteries anymore! They have played a game with our trust and now have broken that in the name of the dollar.........I don't mind them getting money for the check , however; they should still have a minimum standard that has to be met. When you have other products that are not marked or checked and are better for you, yet they endorse the company because they paid for their check is playing with our trust, lives health and the kids growing up thinking that this is good for them........ Posted by: Paul Booth | Jul 20, 08 07:02 PM

I am sure there is still a large percent of the popultation out there who are not aware of the falicies of the H&S Health Check. Not everyone watches Marketplace. Those who do not are the ones who are suffering the most. They are usually complacent about such issues as health and therefore are not interested in investigative reporting. THIS IS A SUBJECT FOR NATIONAL NEWS!!! Just yesterday I watched the program "Shopping Bags" on W Network. Their advise was to rely on 3rd party labelling such as H&S Health Check before trusting the manufacturer's claims of "less salt" or "low fat". The producers of Shopping Bags obviously did not watch the "Hyping Health" episode of Marketplace. We need intervention on a grander scale. Let's see this report on CBC's The National and CTV National News. Posted by: Sue | Sep 27, 08 10:29 AM