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Alternative names
Nutrition labelingDefinition Return to top
Information found on the labels of most packaged foods.Function Return to top
Serving size:Food Sources Return to top
The U. S. Government mandates food labels on most packaged foods. The label offers complete, useful and accurate nutrition information. They encourage food manufacturers to improve the quality of their products and help the consumer make healthier food choices. They provide a consistent format to help you directly compare the nutritional content of various foods. Food labels have the title "Nutrition Facts."Recommendations Return to top
The Daily Values section shows how a food fits into the overall daily diet. The value of the nutrient is given in percentages. The Percent Daily Value gives the food's nutritional content based on a 2,000-calorie diet. You can use this to quickly compare foods and see how the amount of a nutrient in a serving of food fits into a 2,000-calorie diet.
For example, a food that has 13 grams of fat with a Percent Daily Value of 20% means that 13 grams of fat is 20%, or one-fifth, of the total daily fat recommended for a person who eats 2,000 calories per day.
Near the bottom of the label you will see a list of six nutrients and the recommended daily intakes. The daily values are listed for 2,000 and for 2,500 calories. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending of your calorie needs.
The amounts of the first four nutrients -- total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium -- are maximum amounts. That is why the list says "less than" before the number. The amounts of total carbohydrate and dietary fiber are minimum amounts. This is exactly the same on all food labels that carry it. You can use it as a reference.
NUTRIENT CONTENT CLAIMS
A nutrient content claim is a word or phrase on a food package that makes a comment about the nutritional value of the food. The claim will mean the same for every product. The following are some approved nutrient claims.
Calorie terms:
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |