Doesn't "enriched" mean it's better?

Flour enrichment began in 1941 when it was found that many Americans were lacking important nutrients in their diets. In the instance of enriched flour, nutrients are stripped from the wheat: the germ containing all of the nutrients and fiber. The flour is then "enriched" with B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, and niacin. Iron is also added. White flour gained popularity in Europe during the middle ages because it was seen as "cleaner" and "healthier". During the 1920s, it was discovered that this white flour lacked many nutrients that whole wheat flour offered. The 1940s brought rationing and the nutritional deficiencies that went along with it. When grains are refined, the bran and the germ are removed leaving the endosperm which is similar to the white of an egg in that it surrounds the embryo (germ) and provides nutrition and energy in the form of starch. The bran, which is the outer shell, of the whole grain provides the fiber. A main concern for producers of baked goods is shelf life. The wheat germ, which contains all of the vitamins and essential fatty acids also contains oil which spoils products faster (rancidity) when it is present. Therefore, there is monetary incentive for food producers to make products containing flour from which the wheat germ has been stripped.

I am not a mathematician, but when you take away more than 10 essential nutrients, and add 5 lab-produced vitamins, the result is not an "enriched" product. As a consumer, you must also be aware of nutritional claims involving the words "whole wheat". The first item on the list of ingredients must be "whole wheat flour" NOT "enriched wheat flour". Pay no attention to the flashy marketing on the front of the package. "Made with whole grains!" can mean the product contains 5% whole grain flour. What is the incentive to keep whole grains out of food? If you were selling a product and you had a choice between a 1 month shelf life or a 6 month shelf life, which one would you choose? Do a 180 and turn to the boring side of the package. It may not be what you thought you were buying.