Navigating Food Labels

Food Label Regulations

•NLEA, 1990; mandatory labeling, 1994

•Regulated by:

▫Food and Drug Administration

▫Food Safety and Inspection Service/USDA

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/lab-gen.html

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Food Label Regulations

•Exempt foods:

▫Plain coffee, tea

▫Most spices

▫Restaurant foods and foods prepared in stores (unless a claim such as “low-fat” is made)

▫Foods in very small packages

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/lab-gen.html

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Mandatory Information

1. Statement of identity

2. Net package contents

3. Manufacturer/packer/distributor contact information

4. Ingredient list: descending order by weight

5. Nutrition information: Nutrition Facts panel

6. Allergy information

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What’s On Your Food Label?

•Share the following: ▫ Statement of identity▫ Net package contents

▫ Manufacturer/packer/distributor contact information

•Read the ingredient list.

•Are there food allergens listed?

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Nutrition Facts Panel

http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/ucm078889.htm#twoparts

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Information in the Footnote

•DVs for most nutrients are based on calorie intake.

•Some DVs are maximums to stay below and some are recommended levels to strive for.

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Quick Guide to % Daily Values

•Based on 2000 calorie diet.

•5% DV or less = low

•20% DV or more = high

•Keep in mind the serving size on the label and what YOUR portion (actual amount eaten) is!

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Limit These Nutrients

•Many Americans get TOO MUCH of these nutrients in their daily diet.

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Get Enough of These Nutrients

•Many Americans do NOT get enough of these nutrients in their daily diet.

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Nutrient Content Claims

•Describe the quantity of a nutrient provided: high in, good source of, lean …

•State nutrient content relative to that in other products: light, less, reduced …

•Defined by FDA and USDA regulations

“Good source of fiber"

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Health Claims

•Link diet or a food component with health

•Substantial scientific support

•Emphasize total diet

•12 health claims approved by FDA

Low-fat diets rich in fiber-containing grain products, fruits, and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, a disease associated with many factors.

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Structure/Function Claims

•Link substance with effect on body structure or function

•Can describe effect on “well-being”

•More likely to find on dietary supplements

•Does not need FDA approval

“ maintains bowel regularity"

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Front-of-Package Nutrition Labeling

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Consumer Information

•How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label▫The Nutrition Facts Panel – Overview▫The Serving Size▫Calories (and Calories from Fat)▫The Nutrients: How Much?▫Understanding the Footnote▫(Five sections on Daily Value and %DV)

http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/ucm078889.htm#twoparts

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Any questions?

Slide set developed by:

Linda B. Bobroff, Ph.D., RD, LD/NDepartment of Family, Youth and Community Sciences – University of Florida IFAS Extension

June 2010