Navigating the modern grocery store aisle can feel like a maze, with manufacturers using a variety of claims on food packaging to attract consumers. These claims, ranging from factual statements about nutrient levels to more general assertions about health and production, are a powerful marketing tool. However, the meaning and regulatory oversight behind these claims differ significantly. This guide breaks down the main categories of claims to help you become a more savvy shopper.
Nutrient Content Claims
Nutrient content claims are statements that describe the level of a nutrient in a food, or compare the level of a nutrient in one food to that of another food. These are among the most common claims and are regulated by bodies like the FDA in the United States and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. There are specific definitions for terms used in these claims, so a manufacturer cannot use them casually.
Types of Nutrient Content Claims
- Free: This means the food contains a negligible amount of a nutrient. For example, 'fat-free' means less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving. Other examples include 'sugar-free' or 'sodium-free'.
- Low: A 'low' claim signifies that the food can be eaten frequently without exceeding dietary guidelines for a particular nutrient. 'Low fat' requires 3 grams or less of fat per serving, while 'low sodium' must be 140 milligrams or less per serving.
- High/Excellent Source: A product labeled 'high' or 'excellent source of' a nutrient must contain 20% or more of the Daily Value (DV) per serving. For instance, a cereal might be an 'excellent source of iron'.
- Good Source: A 'good source of' claim indicates that one serving contains 10-19% of the DV for a specific nutrient.
- Reduced/Less: These comparative claims mean the food has at least 25% less of a specific nutrient or calories than the regular version of the product.
- Light/Lite: The term 'light' or 'lite' can refer to a 50% reduction in fat or one-third fewer calories than the regular product.
Health Claims
Health claims describe a relationship between a food substance and a disease or health-related condition. These claims must be supported by significant scientific agreement and are heavily regulated. They go beyond simply stating nutrient levels and connect a food's properties to a specific health outcome.
Types of Health Claims
- Authorized Health Claims: These claims are based on extensive scientific evidence reviewed by regulatory bodies like the FDA. An example is the claim linking calcium and a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
- Qualified Health Claims: These are supported by less scientific evidence than authorized claims and must include qualifying language to prevent consumers from being misled. The wording is carefully crafted to state that the evidence is not conclusive.
Structure/Function Claims
Structure/function claims describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient in maintaining the body's structure or a physiological function. These claims are not as strictly regulated as health claims because they do not mention a specific disease. An example is "Calcium builds strong bones" or "Fiber maintains bowel regularity". While they don't require pre-approval, manufacturers must have scientific evidence to support the claim and must notify the FDA of the claim.
Other Important Claims
Beyond the primary categories, many other claims appear on food packaging that are not related to a specific nutrient or health outcome. These can be particularly tricky for consumers to interpret.
- Natural: This term is not strictly defined by the FDA, except for use in meat, poultry, and egg products. For other foods, it generally means that no artificial ingredients or added colors have been included, but it does not specify anything about pesticides, processing, or farming methods.
- Organic: The use of the term 'organic' is highly regulated by the USDA. Products with the USDA organic seal must meet specific standards regarding production, handling, and processing. 'Organic' is a process claim, not a health claim, as organic products can still be high in sugar or fat.
- GMO Claims: Labels such as 'Not Bioengineered' or 'Not Genetically Modified' identify foods produced without genetic engineering, regulated by the USDA.
- Ethical and Process Claims: These include terms like 'cage-free,' 'grass-fed,' or 'fair trade.' These claims address consumer concerns about animal welfare, environmental impact, and labor practices. While potentially regulated by different agencies, they do not speak to the food's nutritional value.
Conclusion
Understanding what the different types of claims on food packaging mean is essential for making informed dietary choices. While nutrient content claims offer quantitative data, health and structure/function claims require a deeper look into the supporting evidence. By paying closer attention to the Nutrition Facts panel and scrutinizing marketing language, consumers can better discern between fact and marketing hype. For more in-depth information on FDA regulations, visit the official FDA website.
