Understanding the FDA's Nutrition Labels, Part 2

Nielsen’s survey suggests that consumers are vulnerable to advertising when it comes to food. While 26 percent of global shoppers look at nutrition labels and scrutinize foods that they perceive as being “nonhealthy,” they do not examine the foods that they consider to be “healthy” in the same way.

Worldwide, Americans are the most likely to understand the information on the Nutrition Facts panel (67 percent as compared with the global average of 45 percent, according to Nielsen’s survey). But American consumers also appear to be the least inclined to use that information to their benefit. And while the sales of many health and wellness products may be on the rise in America — particularly those that boast “no trans or saturated fats” or claim to contain flax, hemp seed, or probiotics — obesity is also still on the rise.

Getting the Most Out of the Nutrition Facts Panel
Despite any perceived failings in the FDA’s nutrition-labeling system, it remains the primary system in the US. The FDA and USDA, along with the HHS and other governmental regulatory agencies, will continue to update the Nutrition Facts panel and other dietary guidelines for Americans and to regulate health claims based on scientific research and consensus panels.
The following are a few tips for getting the most out of the FDA’s Nutrition Facts panel:

• Pay attention to portions, and make sure you’re eating the right amount based on the actual serving size.
• Count calories to help manage your weight; make sure not to take in more calories than your body burns or you will gain weight.
• Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium to reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
• Be sure you’re getting enough dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron in your diet — daily.
• Use the Percent Daily Value (%DV) to determine how much the nutrients per serving are contributing to your total daily diet. You can also compare %DVs of similar products to see which is higher or lower in nutrients and, therefore, which one is better for you (for instance, if one cereal has 40%DV of iron while another has 100%DV).
• Read the ingredients list to learn more about what the package contains. For instance, you may want to choose foods that contain fewer preservatives or you may be seeking more whole grains. The ingredient listing is also important if you or someone in your family has food allergies.

For more information on the Nutrition Facts panel, you can visit the FDA’s Labeling and Nutrition section or you can sign up for updates on FDA-regulated products on the FDA’s Consumer Updates page.