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Food labeling

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Definition:

Food labeling offers a great deal of information on most packaged foods.

Alternative Names:

Nutrition labeling

Function:

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 is listed to their immediate right.

Vitamins and minerals:

Only 2 vitamins (A and C) and 2 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.

• Review Date: 9/2/2005
• Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Director ICU Quality Improvement, Critical Care Division, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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