LESSON 35 EVALUATING FOOD LABELS

FOOD LABELS contain nutritional information required on all processed foods regulated by the FDA. contain nutritional information required on all processed foods regulated by the FDA. Required to contain: Required to contain: Name of foodName of food Net amount or weightNet amount or weight Name & address of manufacturerName & address of manufacturer IngredientsIngredients Nutrient contentNutrient content

Nutrition facts – required information on most foods Nutrition facts – required information on most foods Serving Size – amount of food considered a serving size Serving Size – amount of food considered a serving size Serving per container – number of servings in the package Serving per container – number of servings in the package Calories - # calories in 1 serving Calories - # calories in 1 serving Fat Calories - # calories from fats in 1 serving Fat Calories - # calories from fats in 1 serving Percent Daily Value – portion of daily amount in 1 serving Percent Daily Value – portion of daily amount in 1 serving

Most packages contain more than one serving. Multiple the calories and nutrients by number of servings Most packages contain more than one serving. Multiple the calories and nutrients by number of servings % of daily value is based on goals recommended for adults & children over 4. Usually based in 2000 calorie or 2500 calorie intake % of daily value is based on goals recommended for adults & children over 4. Usually based in 2000 calorie or 2500 calorie intake

Ingredients must be listed on package – ingredients listing. Ingredients must be listed on package – ingredients listing. Listed by weight (greatest to lowest)Listed by weight (greatest to lowest) Food labels not required on fresh fruit & vegetables, restaurant food, vendor food, bakery, deli, candy, spices, coffee, tea, & fresh meat. Food labels not required on fresh fruit & vegetables, restaurant food, vendor food, bakery, deli, candy, spices, coffee, tea, & fresh meat.

CHECK THE DATES Sell by: last date to sell but may be stored past this date Sell by: last date to sell but may be stored past this date Best if used by: should use by this date to ensure best quality Best if used by: should use by this date to ensure best quality Expiration date: after this date, product should not be used Expiration date: after this date, product should not be used

FOOD ADDITIVES Substances intentionally added to food. Substances intentionally added to food. May add flavor, nutrients, color or texture. May add flavor, nutrients, color or texture. May prevent spoilage or help foods age quickly. May prevent spoilage or help foods age quickly. Improve taste and appearance. Improve taste and appearance.

Enriched or fortified to add nutrient value Enriched or fortified to add nutrient value Enriched food – foods that lose nutrients during process have it added back to them Enriched food – foods that lose nutrients during process have it added back to them Fortified food - nutrients not normally found in the food is added (orange juice with calcium Fortified food - nutrients not normally found in the food is added (orange juice with calcium

FOOD LABEL TERMS Healthy – low fat, cholesterol Healthy – low fat, cholesterol Fat free - <.5 gr. Fat serving Fat free - <.5 gr. Fat serving Low fat – 3 gr. or less serving Low fat – 3 gr. or less serving Lean - <10 gr. Fat Lean - <10 gr. Fat Light -1/2 fat or calories as reg. Light -1/2 fat or calories as reg. Cholesterol free - <2 mill. Chol. Cholesterol free - <2 mill. Chol. __ free – no amount of fat, chol. Sodium, sugar per serving __ free – no amount of fat, chol. Sodium, sugar per serving

___ less – 25% less nutrients or calories than regular ___ less – 25% less nutrients or calories than regular High – 20% or more than Daily Recommended Value per serving High – 20% or more than Daily Recommended Value per serving Fresh – raw, unprocessed, no preservatives, never frozen or heated Fresh – raw, unprocessed, no preservatives, never frozen or heated