Food labeling

Alternative names:

nutrition labeling

Definition:

Information found on the labels of most packaged foods.

Functions:

Serving size:
Based on an average portion size. Similar food products have similar serving sizes to make comparison between products easier.

Amounts per serving:
The Calories and the Calories from Fat are listed. These numbers will help consumers make decisions about fat intake. The list of nutrients (total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugars, protein) includes those most important to the health of today's consumer. The amount in grams(g) or milligrams (mg) per serving of these nutrients are listed to their immediate right.

Vitamins and minerals:
Only two vitamins, A and C, and two minerals, calcium and iron, are required on the food label. Food companies can voluntarily list other vitamins and minerals in the food. When vitamins or minerals are added or when a vitamin or mineral claim is made, those nutrients must be listed on the nutrition label.

Percent daily value:
The amounts of vitamins and minerals are listed as a Percent Daily Value on the nutrition label. The Percent Daily Value for vitamins and minerals gives a general idea of how much of a vitamin or mineral a serving contributes to the total daily diet. For example, if the Percent Daily Value for vitamin C of all the foods you eat in a day adds up to 100%, your diet meets the recommendation for vitamin C.