A Basic Understanding of the FDA’s Nutrition Labels
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is responsible for setting the guidelines for healthy eating in America. This includes the regulation of the FDA’s Nutrition Facts panel and of any nutrition claims that manufacturers display on the packaging of food and beverages sold in the US.
The Nutrition Facts panel was initially developed by the FDA to make consumers aware of the nutrients and calories in the foods and beverages they buy and, ultimately, to help shoppers make more-healthful choices for themselves and their families. The panel is required to list the amount of calories, fats, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, protein, vitamins, and minerals per serving, as well as the serving size and number of servings per container. Still, food labeling at the FDA and USDA remains a work in progress, with revisions being made as scientists uncover important nutritional revelations.
Getting the Most Out of the Nutrition Facts Panel
Despite any perceived failings in the FDA’s nutrition-labeling system, it remains the primary system in the US. The FDA and USDA, along with the HHS and other governmental regulatory agencies, will continue to update the Nutrition Facts panel and other dietary guidelines for Americans and to regulate health claims based on scientific research and consensus panels.
The following are a few tips for getting the most out of the FDA’s Nutrition Facts panel:
* Pay attention to portions, and make sure you’re eating the right amount based on the actual serving size.
* Count calories to help manage your weight; make sure not to take in more calories than your body burns or you will gain weight. (You can track your calories with an online tool such as MyBodySite’s Food Journal.)
* Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium to reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
* Be sure you’re getting enough dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron in your diet — daily.
* Use the Percent Daily Value (%DV) to determine how much the nutrients per serving are contributing to your total daily diet. You can also compare %DVs of similar products to see which is higher or lower in nutrients and, therefore, which one is better for you (for instance, if one cereal has 40%DV of iron while another has 100%DV).
* Read the ingredients list to learn more about what the package contains. For instance, you may want to choose foods that contain fewer preservatives or you may be seeking more whole grains. The ingredient listing is also important if you or someone in your family has food allergies.
For more information on the Nutrition Facts panel, you can visit the FDA’s Labeling and Nutrition section (use link below) or you can sign up for updates on FDA-regulated products on the FDA’s Consumer Updates page.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/default.htm
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