The food label provides:
• Nutrition labeling for most foods.
• Standardized serving sizes.
• Information on saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber and other nutrients of major concern.
• Nutrient reference values to help us understand how that food fits into a daily diet.
• Uniform definitions for nutrient claims, such as “light,” “low-fat,” and “high-fiber.”
• Health claims about the relationship between a nutrient and a disease
Benefits of the label
Health professionals agree that the relationship between diet and health is important. Our eating habits can help or hurt our overall health and well-being. Good eating habits include being a smart shopper and selecting foods that reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The food label was designed to help people choose foods for a healthful diet. By using the food label, we can compare the nutrient content of similar foods, see how foods fit into our overall diets, and understand the relationship between certain nutrients and diseases.
Dietary guidelines
Developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1980, and updated every five years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans reflect the most recent scientific research about nutrition and health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, released on Jan. 31, 2011, emphasize three major goals for Americans:
• Balance calories with physical activity to manage weight.
• Consume more of certain foods and nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products and seafood.
• Consume fewer foods with sodium (salt), saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars and refined grains.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 include key recommendations for the general population and additional key recommendations for specific population groups, such as pregnant women. The recommendations are intended to help people choose an overall healthy diet. For more information about the Dietary Guidelines for Americans visit http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2010.asp for the USDA’s complete Dietary Guidelines for Americans report.
Front of the package
The front of the package is designed to get your attention. Manufacturers use different packaging techniques to get us to buy their products. For many years, specific nutrient descriptors and claims appeared on packages with a loosely defined form of standardization. Today, descriptors such as “high fiber,” “light” or “low fat,” as well as specific nutrient claims, have standard definitions and requirements that consumers can use as a quick guide for making smart selections. By understanding what the nutrient descriptors and claims mean, you can more effectively and efficiently select foods and choose between products.
Health claims
Health claims describe the relationship between a nutrient or a food and the risk of a disease. Products that make a health claim must contain a defined amount of the nutrient that is directly linked to the health-related condition.
For example, to make a claim about the relationship between sodium and hypertension, the product must contain 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving. If the package states that the product “may reduce the risk of hypertension,” we know that it is a low-sodium product, because low sodium also is defined as 140 milligrams or less sodium per serving.
Additionally, the claims must make it clear that other factors, such as exercise or heredity, may also influence the development of certain diseases. Health claims cannot state the degree of risk reduction and must use words such as “may” or “might” in discussing the food-disease relationship. Examples of health claims approved for food labels:
Calcium and osteoporosis:
• Claim: A diet adequate in calcium may help reduce the risk for osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease.
• Requirements: At least 200 milligrams calcium, no more phosphorus than calcium per serving, and calcium must be in a form that can be readily absorbed by the body.
Fat and cancer:
• Claim: A low-fat diet may help the risk for developing some types of cancer.
• Requirements: 3 grams or less fat per serving or fish and game meats that are “extra-lean” (fewer than 5 grams fat, fewer than 2 grams saturated fat and fewer than 95 milligrams cholesterol per serving).
Fiber-containing fruits, vegetables and grain products and risk of CHD:
• Claim: Along with eating a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, fiber may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and the risk for developing heart disease.
• Requirements: Must be or contain a fruit, vegetable or grain product, 3 grams or less fat per serving, fewer than 20 milligrams cholesterol per serving, 1 gram or less saturated fat per serving, and 15 percent or less calories from saturated fat, 0.6 grams or more dietary fiber per serving.
Folate or Folic acid and neural birth defects:
• Claim: Healthful diets with adequate folate may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a neural tube defect.
• Requirements: The food must meet or exceed the criteria for a good source: 40 micrograms folic acid per serving or at least 10 percent of Daily Value. A serving cannot contain more than 100 percent of the Daily Value for vitamins A or D because of potential risk to fetuses.
Omega 3‚ fatty acid:
• Claim: Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
• Requirements: With the exception of fish and dietary supplements, foods must be low in cholesterol and low in saturated fat.
Organic labeling
The Organic Foods Production Act and the National Organic Program (NOP) ensure that organic foods purchased in the United Sates are produced, processed and certified to consistent national organic standards. On food labels, products that use the term “organic” must meet the following guidelines.
Products labeled as “100 percent organic” must contain (excluding water and salt) only organically produced ingredients.
Products labeled “organic” must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List or non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
Processed products that contain at least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase “made with organic ingredients” and list up to three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel. For example, soup made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients and only organic vegetables may be labeled either “soup made with organic peas, potatoes, and carrots,” or “soup made with organic vegetables.”
Back of the package
The “Nutrition Facts” section on the back of the food label allows you to make comparisons between the nutrient contents of similar foods and to see how the foods fit into your overall diet. The nutrition facts panel provides information on saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber and other nutrients that are of major health concern. As of 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also requires that all manufacturers list trans fats on the nutrition facts panel. Scientific research shows that consumption of trans fat raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and increases risk for developing heart disease.
The components of the nutrition panel include mandatory and voluntary dietary information. The mandatory components are listed on the nutrition facts panel in the order shown in Figure 1. Immediately to the right of each nutrient, the absolute amount of that nutrient (in grams or milligrams) is listed per serving.
Additionally, a column labeled “% Daily Value” helps us determine how each nutrient fits into an average daily diet. “Daily Value” is used to refer to two separate sets of reference values. The Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs) are reference values for 19 vitamins and minerals, based on the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Daily Reference Values (DRVs) also are provided for eight additional nutrients based on dietary guidelines. The RDI and DRV form the basis for the % DV.
Voluntary dietary components on the label include: calories from saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, potassium, soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, sugar alcohol, other carbohydrate, and other essential vitamins and minerals. The standard “Nutrition Facts” panel may be presented in different formats depending on the size of the package or the total nutrient content in the food.
List of ingredients
Ingredients for all foods must be listed on the food label, including standardized foods. The label must also list the FDA-certified color additives by name. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. Specific ingredient information, such as the source of the protein, also is included. This allows people to avoid substances to which they are allergic or sensitive, or for religious or cultural reasons.
As of January 2006, food manufacturers also must disclose in plain language whether products contain any of the top eight food allergens. While numerous foods have been identified as sources of allergic reactions, 90 percent of the allergic reactions associated with foods are caused by one of eight foods: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy.
Gluten describes a group of proteins found in certain grains, such as wheat, barley and rye, which cannot be tolerated by people with celiac disease. FDA defines the term “gluten free” to mean that the food does not contain any of the following:
• an ingredient that is a species of wheat, rye, barley, or a crossbred hybrid of these grains;
• an ingredient derived from these grains and that has not been processed to remove gluten;
• an ingredient derived from these grains and that has been processed to remove gluten, if the use of that ingredient results in the presence of 20 or more parts per million (ppm) gluten in the food; or
• 20 ppm or more gluten.
Right nutrient balance
The % Daily Value allows us to determine the nutrient contribution of that particular food or beverage relative to a 2,000 calorie per day diet. Not everyone consumes exactly 2,000 calories each day. That number was established as the average reference intake of Americans. Factors that contribute to energy needs include gender, age and activity level. Therefore, it is important to establish your individual energy needs and make adjustments accordingly to fit your personal “% Daily Value.”
Remember that the reference amounts listed on the label are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Some labels also may contain reference values for a 2,500 calorie diet. DVs are listed as the percent of a minimum or a maximum value. For example, DVs for some nutrients (total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium) represent the upper limit considered desirable.
By using the “% Daily Value,” you can easily determine what amount of a nutrient a food provides and then choose the other foods you eat during the day according to your specific needs. For example, if you consume 2,000 calories per day, your total fat intake should not exceed 65 grams. If you eat 13 grams of fat at breakfast or 20 percent of your Daily Value (DV), and about 20 grams of fat at lunch (30 percent of your DV), then you should not consume more than about 32 grams of fat (or 50 percent of your daily fat intake) for the remainder of the day (snacks and dinner combined).
The Daily Value is not a rigid number, but rather a reference value to aim for in balancing your intake. Use it to compare different products. Keep in mind variety and moderation — the important fundamentals of good eating habits.
Quick product comparisons
The serving size is the basis for reporting the nutrient content of each food. In the past the serving size was up to the discretion of the manufacturer. Now serving sizes must be consistent between similar products (for example, breakfast cereals) and reflective of typical consumption.
Serving sizes must be expressed in metric measures as well as common household units to make it easier for consumers to make quick comparisons. For example, if you are trying to decide between two breakfast cereals and want to purchase the one higher in dietary fiber, you can make an easier and more educated comparison because the serving sizes are the same.
Glossary of nutrient claims, descriptors
Calorie free. Less than 5 calories per serving.
Cholesterol free.
Less than 2 mg cholesterol and 2 g or less saturated fat per serving.
Enriched or fortified. Has been nutritionally altered so that one serving provides at least 10% more of the Daily Value of a nutrient than the comparison food.
Extra lean. Less than 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, and 95 mg of cholesterol per serving and per 100 g.
Fat free. Less than 0.5 g of fat per serving.
Free. “Without,” “no” or “zero” can all be used in place of “free.”
Fresh. Generally used on food in its raw state. It cannot be used on food that has been frozen or cooked, or on food that contains preservatives.
Fresh-frozen. Foods that have been quickly frozen while still fresh.
Good source. One serving provides 10-19% of the Daily Value for a particular nutrient.
Good source of fiber. Contains 10 to 19% of the Daily Value for fiber (2.5-4.75 g) per serving. If a food is not “low fat,” it must declare the level of total fat per serving and refer to the nutrition panel when a fiber claim is mentioned.
High. One serving provides at least 20% or more of the Daily Value for a particular nutrient.
High fiber. Contains 20% or more of the Daily Value for fiber (at least 5 g) per serving. If a food is not “low fat,” it must declare the level of total fat per serving and refer to the nutrition panel when a fiber claim is made.
Lean. Less than 10 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, and 95 mg cholesterol per serving and per 100 g.
Light:
1) At least one-third fewer calories per serving than a comparison food; or
2) contains no more than half the fat per serving of a comparison food. If a food derives 50% or more of its calories from fat, the reduction must be at least 50% of the fat; or
3) contains at least 50% less sodium per serving than a comparison food; or
4) can refer to texture and/or color, if clearly explained, for example, “light brown sugar.”
Low. “Little,” “few” or “low source of” may be used in place of “low.”
Low calorie. 40 calories or less per serving.
Low cholesterol. 20 mg or less cholesterol and 2 g or less saturated fat per serving.
Low fat. 3 g or less per serving.
Low saturated fat. 1 g or less saturated fat per serving and 15% or less calories from fat.
Low sodium. 140 mg or less per serving.
More. One serving contains at least 10% more of the Daily Value of a nutrient than the comparison food.
Percent fat free. A claim made on a “low fat” or “fat free” product which accurately reflects the amount of fat present in 100 g of food; a food with 3 g of fat per 100 g would be “97% fat free.”
Reduced. A nutritionally altered product which must contain 25% less of a nutrient or of calories than the regular or reference product.
Salt or sodium free. Less than 5 mg per serving.
Sugar free. Less than 0.5 g of sugars per serving.
Unsalted. Has no salt added during processing. To use this term, the product it resembles must normally be processed with salt and the label must note that the food is not a sodium-free food if it does not meet the requirements for “sodium free.”
Very low sodium. Less than 35 mg or less sodium per serving.
Information was provided by Dr. J. Anderson, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension specialist and professor, Food Science and Human Nutrition; L. Young, M.S., former graduate student, Food Science and Human Nutrition; and S. Perryman, Extension specialist, Food Science and Human Nutrition.
Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Colorado counties cooperating. CSU Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned.
Calendar
Nov. 16 — Wolf Creek Wonders 4-H Club meeting, 2 p.m.
Nov. 21 — Office closed.
Learn more about our upcoming events on our webpage at www.archuleta.colostate.edu.
