July 2003, when the Food and Drug Administration announced it would let food companies make health claims even in the absence of "significant scientific agreement,"

Ever since July 2003, when the Food and Drug Administration announced it would let food companies make health claims even in the absence of "significant scientific agreement," junk science has abounded on the airwaves.

Makers of diet pills, for example, can claim their products boost energy and promote weight loss even if the pills are little more than a few obscure herbs and caffeine.

Even Ronald McDonald is in on the act, with ads showing him cheering healthy kids as they play soccer. Although it's nice that McDonald's is promoting the value of nutrition and exercise, there's something more than a little deceptive about trying to make it seem as if McDonald's food is part of a healthful lifestyle. (L.A Times)