Fresh produce does not need an FDA label, unlike other packaged foods.
The labels on the back of food products are getting more notice as consumers search for healthier and more nutritious foods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set forth specific regulations to monitor and guarantee the quality of these foods for all consumers.
Types of Foods
The FDA requires that most foods, whether they're packaged, canned, or frozen, and beverages all have a nutritional label. Fresh fruits and vegetables, raw produce and fish do not require a label and if this is done, it is only through voluntary cooperation by the manufacturers. Organic foods must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients to meet FDA organic requirements to receive an organic label classification.
Location of the Labels
When you pick up a package, the product information on the front is called the primary display panel, or PDP. The FDA requires that this panel be used for product identification and to specify the amount of product in the package.
The next panel, immediately to the right of the PDP, is the information panel and should clearly disclose the name and address of the manufacturer, the nutritional value and ingredients of the product, including additives, and the distributor of the product.
Nutritional Label Information
The nutritional label is broken down into six sections. The first is the servings panel, which reflects how much of the product constitutes a serving and how many servings are in the total package.
Next is the calorie count per serving and how many of those calories are from fat.
The third displays the nutrients that consumers should limit in their diets, inclusing trans fats, cholesterol and sodium.
The fourth shows the nutrients consumers should try to increase in their daily intake, such as calcium, vitamins and iron.
The fifth section is the column to the right of each nutrient and shows how much each one contributes to the daily percentage value.
These five sections are product specific, while the sixth section is general and lists the recommended daily nutritional percentage value requirements for every consumer based on a 2,000 or 2,500 calorie diet.
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