(NYN) Food Labels and Nutrition Facts Lesson

Food Labels and Nutrition Facts

image of nutrition facts labelled: start with serving size and servings per container check calories limit fats, cholesterol, sodium for the % of daily value: 5% or less is low; 20% or more is high make sure to get enough vitamins a, c, Calcium, iron Take note of the footnoteA food label is found on a package of food which contains a variety of information about the nutritional value of the food item. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Nutrition Facts label is printed on most packaged foods. The label tells you how many calories and how much fat, protein, sodium (salt), and other nutrients are in one serving of food. Most packaged foods contain more than a single serving.

Reading food labels is a must when you are food shopping! Prepackaged foods are required to have nutrition labels. Food labels are voluntary for "fresh foods" such as raw meats, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables.

The Nutrition Facts on the food label must show the following information:

  • Serving Size. A uniform amount for all labels. The serving size allows you to compare the nutritional values of similar foods by comparing the food labels, It also helps you to eat the recommended number of servings from the Food Pyramid. The servings per container are also shown based on the serving size.
  • The amounts per serving of:
    • Total Calories and Calories From Fat
    • Total Fat
    • Saturated Fat
  • Cholesterol
  • Sodium
  • Potassium
  • Total Carbohydrates
    • Dietary Fiber
    • Sugars
  • Protein
  • Vitamins A and C
  • Minerals, Calcium, and Iron

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