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WHAT THOSE LABELS REALLY MEAN
Source: FDA
Confused about "light" foods versus "low fat"? Don't worry. You're not alone. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has very specific food labeling regulations for manufacturers and claims made on food labels. The goal is to help the consumer make more informed choices. By January 1, 2006, food manufacturers will be required to list trans fats on the nutrition facts and some supplement facts panels, right below saturated fats. Trans fats, which have been implicated in heart disease, are formed when manufacturers "hydrogenate" vegetable oils, making them solid at room temperatures. Trans fats are commonly found in commercially baked cookies and cakes, snack foods like chips, some margarines, commercially fried foods and other processed foods.
FOR A QUICK REFERENCE:
FAT-FREE
Less than 0.5 grams of fat per serving, with no added fat or oil
LOW-FAT
3 grams or less of fat per serving
CHOLESTEROL-FREE
Less than 2 mg cholesterol per serving, and 2 grams or less saturated fat per serving
REDUCED-CALORIE
At least 25% fewer calories per serving than the comparison food
LOW-CALORIE
40 calories or less per serving
LIGHT (FAT)
50% or less of the fat than in the comparison food (ex: 50% less fat than our regular cheese)
LIGHT (CALORIES)
1/3 fewer calories than the comparison food
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HIGH FIBER
5 grams or more fiber per serving
SUGAR-FREE
Less than 0.5 gram of sugar per serving
SODIUM-FREE OR SALT-FREE
Less than 5 mg of sodium per serving
HEALTHY
A food low in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and contains at least 10% of the Daily Values for one or more of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, protein or fiber
"HIGH," RICH IN" OR "EXCELLENT SOURCE"
20% or more of the Daily Value for a given nutrient per serving
"GOOD SOURCE OF," "CONTAINS" OR "PROVIDES"
Meal or dish provides 10% to 19% more of the Daily Value for a given nutrient than the comparison meal or dish
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