The Footnote's Physical Location on the Nutrition Label
For consumers seeking to make informed dietary choices, knowing precisely where to find and how to interpret each element of the Nutrition Facts panel is crucial. When you turn over a packaged food item, the first thing you'll notice is the serving size and calorie count, prominently displayed at the top. However, the less conspicuous, yet equally important, footnote is located at the bottom of the label, beneath the detailed list of nutrients. It is often distinguished by an asterisk (*) referencing the % Daily Value column and provides a standardized explanation of the Daily Value percentages presented. This placement ensures that it is consistently found, regardless of the product, on most larger packaging.
What the Footnote Explained
The most recent version of the nutrition label, which began appearing on products in 2016, features a more clearly worded footnote. The previous version simply stated that the Percent Daily Values were based on a 2,000-calorie diet and that individual needs may vary. The updated footnote provides a much clearer explanation, reading: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice”. This change aims to better educate consumers on how to use the %DV to make smart decisions.
Deciphering the Percent Daily Value (%DV)
The Percent Daily Value is the centerpiece of the footnote's explanation. It helps you quickly understand if a food is high or low in a particular nutrient. The general rule of thumb is simple and easy to remember:
- 5% DV or less per serving is considered low. This is a guideline to help you limit nutrients like saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars.
- 20% DV or more per serving is considered high. This helps you aim for higher amounts of beneficial nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Understanding the %DV allows you to balance your daily intake. For example, if you eat a food that is high in sodium (e.g., 37% DV), you know to balance your intake with low-sodium foods for the rest of the day. The footnote provides the necessary context for this interpretation.
The Footnote's Importance for Daily Diet Planning
While the 2,000-calorie diet is a useful benchmark, the footnote reminds consumers that their actual nutritional needs may be higher or lower. Age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level all play a significant role in determining individual calorie requirements. By understanding the footnote, a consumer can use the %DV as a guide and adjust their food choices accordingly. This flexibility is essential for creating a personalized and effective dietary strategy. The footnote is not a rigid prescription but rather a tool for interpreting the data presented on the rest of the label.
Navigating the Entire Nutrition Facts Panel
To become a label-reading pro, you need to understand how the footnote fits into the larger panel. Here’s a quick breakdown of how the different sections work together:
- Serving Information: Found at the top, this details the serving size and servings per container. All other values, including calories and nutrients, are based on this serving size, so it's the first number to check.
- Calories: Also near the top, this indicates the energy content per serving.
- Macronutrients and Micronutrients: The middle section lists key nutrients like Total Fat, Sodium, Total Carbohydrates, and Protein. Sub-categories, such as Saturated Fat and Added Sugars, are indented beneath the main nutrient.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Towards the bottom of the main section, mandatory nutrients like Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, and Potassium are listed with their %DV.
- The Footnote: This final, non-product-specific section standardizes the %DV context across labels.
Comparison: Old vs. New Nutrition Facts Footnotes
The updated label and its revised footnote represent a significant improvement in consumer information. The table below highlights the key differences, showing how the FDA enhanced clarity and educational value with the new design.
| Feature | Old Nutrition Facts Label Footnote | New Nutrition Facts Label Footnote |
|---|---|---|
| Wording | “Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.” | “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.” |
| Educational Value | Less explanatory; requires prior knowledge of %DV meaning. | Clearly defines %DV, making it more accessible to average consumers. |
| Consistency | Same across products with enough space. | Still the same across products with enough space, but the wording is more standardized and instructive. |
| Purpose | Primarily provided the calorie benchmark for DV calculations. | Provides the benchmark while also explaining the utility of %DV for daily diet planning. |
Conclusion: The Power of a Small Footnote
When you understand where is the footnote on a nutrition label and what it signifies, you unlock a deeper understanding of the food you consume. What may seem like a trivial, small-print detail is actually a foundational piece of information that helps contextualize all the percentages on the panel. It’s the key to translating abstract percentages into actionable knowledge about how a single serving of a product fits into your overall daily diet. The FDA’s effort to improve the clarity of the footnote reflects a commitment to empowering consumers with the tools they need to make healthier food choices. The next time you pick up a packaged food, glance down at the bottom of the label to get the full picture. You can also refer to the official FDA website for more comprehensive information on reading nutrition labels and understanding daily values.
