Nutrition Facts Label Presented by Janice Hermann, PhD, RD/LD OCES Adult and Older Adult Nutrition Specialist

Nutrition Facts Label The Nutrition Facts Label tells you about the nutrients in a food product. The Nutrition Facts Label along with the USDA Daily Food Plan and Dietary Guidelines are tools to help you choose a healthy diet.

Ingredient List All foods must list all ingredients on the label in descending order or predominance by weight.

Serving Size The nutrition information on the Nutrition Facts Label is for 1 serving. The Nutrition Facts Label tells you the serving size and the number of servings per container. It is important to consider how the serving size compare with the actual amount eaten.

Nutrition Facts Total calories Calories from fat Total fat Saturated fat Trans fat Cholesterol Sodium Total carbohydrate Dietary fiber Sugars Protein Vitamin A Vitamin C Iron Calcium

% Daily Values Nutrient amounts per serving are reported as % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet for: Total Fat Total Carbohydrate Vitamin A Saturated Fat Dietary Fiber Vitamin C Cholesterol Sugar Calcium Sodium Protein Iron Some provide % Daily Values for both a 2,000 and 2,500 calorie diet.

Daily Values If the amount of a nutrient provided by a serving of food is less than 10% of the Daily Value, the product can state 0% or “not a significant source.” ≤ 5% Daily Value – low nutrient source 10-19% Daily Value – good nutrient source ≥ 20% Daily Value – excellent nutrient source

Nutrient Content Claims A word or phrase used on a label to describe the level of a nutrient in a serving of food. Foods must meet definitions set by FDA.

General Nutrient Content Terms Healthy Free Good source of High Less Light or Lite Low More Organic

Nutrient Content Claims FDA has nutrient content claim definitions for: Calories Fat and Cholesterol Sugar Fiber Sodium

Health Claims A health claim is a label statement that describes the relationship between a nutrient and a disease or health-related condition. Health claims require manufactures must collect scientific evidence and petition FDA for approval Before health claims are approved FDA examines enough scientific evidence to establish a clear link between diet and health.

Health Claims A health claim can be a written statement, a third-party reference, a symbol, or a description. A food has to meet a set strict requirements set by the government in order to make a health claim.

FDA Approved Health Claims Calcium and osteoporosis Sodium and hypertension Dietary saturated fat and cholesterol and risk of coronary heart disease Dietary fat and cancer Fiber and cancer

FDA Approved Health Claims Fruits, vegetables and grain products that contain fiber and heart disease Fruits and vegetables and cancer Folate and neural tube defects Sugar alcohols and tooth decay Soluble fiber from whole oats and psyllium and heart disease

FDA Approved Health Claims Soy protein and heart disease Whole grains and heart disease and certain cancers Plant sterol and plant stanol esters and heart disease Potassium and hypertension and stroke

Different Types of Claims FDA approved health claims still appear on food labels, but finding them is more difficult now that other categories of claims are allowed based on less conclusive evidence such as structure-function claims. Even with required disclaimers for health and grading claims as “A,” “B,” “C,” or “D,” distinguishing “A” claims from others is difficult.

Structure-Function Claims Structure-function claims are statements that characterize the relationship between a nutrient or substance in a food an its role in the body Unlike health claims where manufactures must collect scientific evidence and petition FDA for approval, structure-function claims can be made without FDA approval. The only criterion for a structure-function claim is it must not mention a disease or symptom.

Structure-Function Claims Structure-function claims can be quite similar to “A” list health claims. Compare the following: “May reduce the risk of heart disease” “Promotes a healthy heart” 1 st FDA list approved health claim 2 nd unapproved structure-function claim

Example Structure-Function Claims Builds strong bones Defends your health Promotes relaxation Slows aging Improves memory Guards against colds Boosts the immune system Lifts your spirits Supports your health