When it comes to understanding what is in our food, the nutrition label is a valuable tool. The nutrition label, also known as the food label, is a label that is placed on packaged foods and drinks, providing important information about the product. However, with so many different pieces of information listed on a food label, it can be overwhelming to know what to look for. In this blog post, we will break down the key pieces of information that must be listed on a food label, so you can make more informed decisions about the foods you eat.
A food label is a label that is placed on packaged foods and drinks that provides important information about the product. Several key pieces of information must be listed on a food label, including the following:
Product name: The name of the product must be prominently displayed on the front of the label. This is important so you can easily identify the product and know what you are purchasing. The product name is usually located at the top or center of the label, in bold or larger font, making it easy to spot.
Net weight: The net weight of the product must be listed on the label, typically in ounces or grams. This information is important for you to know the quantity of the product you are buying and also for pricing and comparison purposes. The net weight tells you the actual weight of the product, which is useful when comparing the prices and sizes of different products.
Ingredients: The ingredients used in the product must be listed in descending order of predominance by weight. This means that the ingredient that makes up the largest percentage of the product must be listed first, followed by the next largest percentage, and so on. This is important for you to know what is in the product and whether it is safe for you to consume, especially if you have allergies or dietary restrictions. By reading the ingredients list, you can check for any allergens, or if the product contains any artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Allergens: If the product contains any of the eight major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans), they must be listed either in the ingredient list or in a separate "Contains" statement. This is important for people with allergies to these specific ingredients to avoid consuming them. The FDA requires that these allergens are highlighted in the ingredients list or in a "Contains" statement, to make it easier for people with allergies to identify and avoid.
Nutritional information: The label must include information about the product's calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, sugars, and protein. This information is important for you to know the nutritional value of the product, especially if you are trying to maintain a healthy diet or have specific dietary needs such as weight loss, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. The nutritional information is usually located on the back or side of the label and is presented in a chart format, making it easy to compare with other products.
% Daily Value: The label must also include the % Daily Value (DV) for certain nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. This information helps you understand how much of a particular nutrient you are getting about the recommended daily intake. The % Daily Value is based on a 2,000-calorie diet and is presented as a percentage. For example, if a food contains 10% of the daily value of calcium, it means that one serving of the food provides 10% of the recommended daily intake of calcium.
Additional information: The label may also include additional information, such as the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and a statement about the product's country of origin. This information is important for you to know where the product is coming from and who is manufacturing it.
It is important to note that the FDA has some regulations on the design, format, and disclosure of information on food labels which are subject to change from time to time. Also, food manufacturers may choose to include other information on their labels, such as certifications or awards, health claims, and marketing phrases. However, these additional pieces of information are not required by law.
In conclusion, understanding what must be listed on a food label is an important step in making informed decisions about the foods we eat. By knowing what information is required on a food label, we can better understand the nutritional value of the products we purchase and make choices that align with our dietary needs and goals.
