Labeling

Requirements The nutrition labeling law is very specific about what must be on a label.

1. Name of the product Is it peaches or pancake mix or green beans?

2. Who made it? You will find the name and contact information for the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.

3. Description What style or type is the product? Are the beans cut, french style, etc.

4. How much is there? What is the net contents (minus the container) of weight, or numbers?

5. Special information Is there any special information that affects people with health problems; allergies, etc.?

6. What is real? Does it contain any artificial color, flavor, or preservatives?

7. Ingredients It must have a list of ingredients in order of weight in the package. The ingredient of the largest amount is listed first.

“Net weight” means... 1.The weight of the product including packaging 2.The weight of the packaging 3.The weight of the product only.

Ingredients are listed on the package... 1.By weight – most to least 2.By weight – least to most 3.Only if it contains 5 or more ingredients

Sometimes- Nutritional labeling must be done if the food has nutrients added or if it claims to be highly nutritious.

Nutrition Facts It is always in the same format. It must contain – –A. Serving or portion size/ portions per container –B. Calories from fat per serving –C. % daily value of fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate (including dietary fiber and sugars), protein, Vit. A, Vit. C, Calcium and Iron. –D. A notation that the daily values are reference number based on a daily diet of 2,000 and 2,500 calories.

UPC Universal Product Code is a bar code that can be read by a scanner. It tells the manufacturer, product size and flavor if relevant.

A label must by law include... 1.Amount of Vit. A and C 2.Amount of Vit. A and B 3.The amount of thiamine

Labels do not have to contain... 1.A picture of the product 2.Contact information for the manufacturer 3.Number of servings per container

Label terms “Low or Low in…” If the food could be eaten frequently without exceeding the recommended amounts of a certain nutrient. This usually refers to fat, salt, cholesterol, etc.

“Reduced, Less, or Fewer…” The product must have at least 25 % less of something than a comparable food. For example “reduced fat Cheddar Cheese” has 25% less fat than regular Cheddar Cheese. 25 % less

“Good source of…” One serving of this food contain 10 – 19% of the daily value of this nutrient % of what you need

“High in, or High Source of…” One serving must have 20% or more of the Daily Value of this particular nutrient. 20% or more of what you need

“…free” There is an amount so small that it is insignificant and not likely to affect your body. 0

“Organic or natural” Organic means that the food must be at least 95% organically grown. No synthesized pesticides or fertilizers. Natural can mean whatever the food producer wants it to mean.

“Juice”…Labels that contain juice must list the percentages of juice. If it says juice drink, or juice cocktail then it is not 100% juice.

“Good Source of fiber..” means... 1.It contains all of fiber you need for the day. 2.It contains up to 19% of the fiber you need for the day. 3.It contains 20% or more of the fiber you need for the day.

“Juice cocktail” means... 1.This is 100% juice 2.It has alcohol in it. 3.It contains added ingredients besides some juice. 10

If a product said “low in salt” You could eat it frequently without worrying about having too much salt. 2.It has not salt in it. 3.Only 10% of the product is salt.

Dating

NOT THAT KIND!!!

Product dating is voluntary. Many manufacturers will use it. “Open dating” is where the date is stamped directly on the package for consumers to read.

“Sell or Sell by” This is the last day the product should remain on the store shelves. It allows a reasonable amount of time for home storage and use. It may also say “Best if purchased by…”

“Use by date…, or best if used by…” The product may still be safe but the quality will start to go down.

Open dating is 10 1.Dates telling you when to open the product. 2.Date stamped on the package for you to use. 3.Coded dates used only by the manufacturer

If milk has a “sell by” date of June 25… 10 1.You shouldn’t use it after June 25 2.If kept properly it should be able to be used on June 27 3.Stores must reduce the price by 50% on June 25

“Best if used by”… 10 1.Means it must not be used after that date. 2.Stores can’t sell it after that date. 3.It may be used but the quality may deteriorate after that date.