1990 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act Food manufacturers must disclose the fat (saturated and unsaturated), cholesterol, sodium, sugar, fiber, protein, and carbohydrate content. Requires labeling for the top 20 selling fruits, vegetables, fish, and shellfish. Requires the FDA to establish standards for “lite”, “lean”, “low”, or “reduced”. Intended for people age 4 and older.

Sample Macaroni and Cheese Label

Serving Size This gives you the size and total number of servings in the container. Serving sizes are standardized to make it easier to compare different foods; listed in familiar units (cups, pieces) Pay attention to the serving size! Especially how many servings are in one container. How many servings am I consuming?

Calories and Calories from Fat Calories provide a measure of how much energy you get from a serving of this food. Remember: the number of servings you consume determines the amount of calories you actually eat. Eating too many calories is linked to overweight and obesity.

General Guide to Calories Provides a general reference for calories when you look at a Nutrition Facts label. Based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 40 Calories = Low 100 Calories = Moderate 400 Calories or More = High

Nutrients: How Much? Limit These Nutrients –Americans typically get enough of these in their daily diet, or sometimes too much. –Limit fat, saturated fat, trans-fat, cholesterol Get Enough of These Nutrients –Most Americans don’t get enough of these nutrients in their daily diet. –Eating enough can improve your health and decrease your risk for some diseases and conditions.

Understanding the Footnote The * by Percent Daily Values says that these percentages are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. The amounts circled in red are the Daily Values (DV) for each nutrient listed and are based on public health expert’s advice.

How DV relates to % DV Based on a 2,000 Calorie Diet NutrientDV% DVGoal Total Fat65g = 100%Less than Sat. Fat20g =100%Less than Cholesterol 300mg =100%Less than Sodium 2400mg = 100%Less than Total Carb.300g =100%At least Dietary Fiber25g = 100%At least

Percent Daily Value (% DV) Only for a 2,000 calorie diet, not 2,500. Helps you determine whether a food is high or low in a nutrient. EACH nutrient is on a 0-100% scale, not vertically. Can tell high from low and know which nutrients contribute a lot or a little to your DAILY recommendations. 5% is low and 20% is high.

Which Nutrients are High/Low?

Example If one serving is consumed: If whole box is consumed:

How to Use the % DV Comparisons –Brands and products Nutrient Content Claims –Low fat, lite, or non-fat claims Dietary Trade-Off –If a food you like is high in fat, balance it off with other foods that are low in fat –Moderation

Calcium No amount, only percentage. Adults should take in 1,000mg or 100% DV. Adolescents (especially girls) should take in 1,300 mg (130% DV). Always check the amount of calcium!

Calcium Cont. 30% DV = 30mg = one cup of milk 100% DV = 1,000mg calcium 130% DV = 1,300mg calcium

Let’s Compare! Reduced Fat Milk (2% Milk) Nonfat Milk