LESSON 35 EVALUATING FOOD LABELS FOOD LABELS contain

LESSON 35 EVALUATING FOOD LABELS

FOOD LABELS contain nutritional information required on all processed foods regulated by the FDA. n Required to contain: n • Name of food • Net amount or weight • Name & address of manufacturer • Ingredients • Nutrient content

n n n Nutrition facts – required information on most foods Serving Size – amount of food considered a serving size Serving per container – number of servings in the package Calories - # calories in 1 serving Fat Calories - # calories from fats in 1 serving Percent Daily Value – portion of daily amount in 1 serving

Most packages contain more than one serving. Multiple the calories and nutrients by number of servings n % of daily value is based on goals recommended for adults & children over 4. Usually based in 2000 calorie or 2500 calorie intake n

n Ingredients must be listed on package – ingredients listing. • Listed by weight (greatest to lowest) n Food labels not required on fresh fruit & vegetables, restaurant food, vendor food, bakery, deli, candy, spices, coffee, tea, & fresh meat.

CHECK THE DATES Sell by: last date to sell but may be stored past this date n Best if used by: should use by this date to ensure best quality n Expiration date: after this date, product should not be used n

FOOD ADDITIVES Substances intentionally added to food. n May add flavor, nutrients, color or texture. n May prevent spoilage or help foods age quickly. n Improve taste and appearance. n

Enriched or fortified to add nutrient value n Enriched food – foods that lose nutrients during process have it added back to them n Fortified food - nutrients not normally found in the food is added (orange juice with calcium n

FOOD LABEL TERMS Healthy – low fat, cholesterol n Fat free - <. 5 gr. Fat serving n Low fat – 3 gr. or less serving n Lean - <10 gr. Fat n Light -1/2 fat or calories as reg. n Cholesterol free - <2 mill. Chol. n __ free – no amount of fat, chol. Sodium, sugar per serving n

___ less – 25% less nutrients or calories than regular n High – 20% or more than Daily Recommended Value per serving n Fresh – raw, unprocessed, no preservatives, never frozen or heated n