Food Labels

What's in a Food label?

The FDA has strict regulations on what to put on a food label and the claims that can be made. The FDA requires that the package includes: name of food, net weight, name and address of manufacturer or distributor, ingredients listed descending by weight, nutrition info for specific nutrients per serving, and the presence of common allergens. The FDA allows 3 types of claims nutrient content, structure/ function, and health. Nutrient content claims describe a nutrient level or amount and must adhere to strict criteria for the following terms: free, high, low, lean, reduced, and good source of. Structure/ function claims describe how a nutrient or compound affects body structure or function and does not require FDA pre-approval.

Health claims to be made on a corresponding disease or condition require FDA approval which is a burden on the company to provide. These claims can be very costly for a company if they publish information on a product that is misleading. The company that makes Nutella Ferrero USA, Inc got sued for misleading consumers into thinking that it was a healthy nutritious breakfast food. The settlement included cost the company $3.05 million with $2.5 million to be divided among consumers who file a claim, the New York Daily News reported.  As part of the settlement, anyone in the U.S. who purchased Nutella between certain dates received $4 for a single purchase and up to 5 jars for a maximum award of $20 per household.

                                                           

The meaning behind some front-of-package symbols

Simple front of package (FOP) labeling symbols are voluntary but are more effective and especially valuable to populations with low literacy, low health motivation, and limited nutrition knowledge. Critical components: calories, saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. The symbol. For a package to display the USDA organic symbol it must contain at least 95% organic ingredients.