PORTLAND, Ore. (October 23, 2009)—A food-labeling program that U.S. manufacturers created is now voluntarily on hold after federal regulators said it could be misleading to consumers.

Companies such as Kraft, Kellogg and General Mills worked together to launch the "Smart Choices" program earlier this year.

The program labels appear on the front of foods that meet certain nutritional standards.

But the Food and Drug Administration said earlier this week such programs may be misleading consumers about the health benefits of certain foods.

Smart Choices has been criticized because its guidelines allow cereals high in sugar to bear the stamp.

Manufacturers that currently use the logo may continue to do so.