What is the nutrition facts label called?
The simple answer to "What is the nutrition facts label called?" is the Nutrition Facts label or the Nutrition Facts panel. In the United States, this label became mandatory on packaged foods due to the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990. This legislation empowered the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure clear and consistent labeling, assisting consumers in making informed dietary decisions.
The official name and its origin
Prior to the NLEA, nutrition information on food packaging was often voluntary and lacked uniformity. The NLEA, signed into law in 1990, standardized information like serving size, calories, and nutrient content on most packaged foods. The label was further updated in 2016, with full implementation by 2020 for larger manufacturers, to align with the latest dietary science.
Decoding the Nutrition Facts Label: A Section-by-Section Guide
Understanding each part of the Nutrition Facts label is crucial for using it to support a healthy diet. Here's a breakdown:
Serving Information
At the top, you'll find the serving size and the number of servings in the container. The serving size is a standard amount people typically eat, but it's not a dietary recommendation. Remember that all nutrient values on the label refer to one serving.
Calories
Prominently displayed, calories indicate the energy per serving. Balancing calorie intake with activity is key for weight management. The label uses a 2,000-calorie diet as a general reference, though individual needs vary.
Nutrients: What to get more and less of
The label lists nutrients to limit and those to consume more of.
Nutrients to Limit: Aim for lower amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. High intake of these is linked to health risks like heart disease and high blood pressure. The 2016 update specifically added 'Added Sugars' to help differentiate them from natural sugars.
Nutrients to Get More Of: Focus on foods higher in dietary fiber, Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, which support various bodily functions like digestion, bone health, and blood pressure regulation.
Understanding the Percent Daily Value (%DV)
The % Daily Value shows how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a 2,000-calorie daily diet. This helps you quickly assess if a food is high (20% DV or more) or low (5% DV or less) in a particular nutrient. It's useful for comparing products and making choices based on your dietary goals, such as finding foods higher in fiber or lower in sodium.
The Ingredient List
Separate from the panel, this list details all ingredients by weight in descending order. It's crucial for those with allergies or specific dietary needs to identify components and various forms of ingredients like sugar.
Comparing Nutrition Labels: US vs. EU
While both the U.S. and E.U. labels aim for clarity, they have differences:
| Feature | United States (FDA) | European Union (EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Panel Title | "Nutrition Facts" | "Nutrition Information" |
| Standard Serving Size | Based on typical consumption patterns | Based on a standard quantity (e.g., 100g or 100ml) |
| Required Nutrients | Total Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, Total Carb, Dietary Fiber, Sugars, Added Sugars, Protein, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium | Energy (kJ and kcal), Fat, Saturated Fat, Carbohydrate, Sugars, Protein, Salt |
| Nutrient Unit Basis | Per serving | Per 100g/ml, sometimes per portion |
| Added Sugars | Explicitly listed | Included in "Sugars" total, not broken down |
| Color Coding | Not mandatory, but some manufacturers use front-of-pack schemes | Some front-of-pack labels use a color-coded traffic light system (red, amber, green) to highlight high/medium/low levels |
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Knowing what is the nutrition facts label called? is the initial step in making informed dietary decisions. This label, mandated by regulations like the NLEA, serves as a vital tool for understanding the contents of packaged foods. By examining serving size, calories, key nutrients, and the %DV, you can compare products and select options that support a healthier diet. Using the Nutrition Facts panel to guide your daily choices is essential for improving your overall nutrition and well-being.
For more information on the history and evolution of the nutrition label, you can read more from this NCBI article.
