An article in the NY Times yesterday raises questions about whether there is adequate science behind the health claims in much of the $37.3 billion  “functional food” industry.  These are processed foods that have been loaded with vitamins and nutrients or otherwise “healthified” and sold to the American public as promising short cuts to healthier living.  While many of the big brands and the industry trade group the International Food Information Council believe that the health claims are valid and marketed within the letter of the law, the FTC is taking a closer look and has filed complaints against some well-known food marketers.  The FTC’s director of consume protection David C. Vladeck worries that people might be paying more for foods that are no more healthful than other brands at a time when millions lack health insurance. “If people are going to spend their money for health benefits,” he says, “they ought to get them.”  The FDA’s Center for Food Safety recommends that consumers look more closely at nutrition labels and ingredients lists.  This, we think, is a discussion that is far from over.  — Joyce