2. Background
Before the 1960’s most foods were prepared at home rather than being prepackaged so there was little
need for labeling.
After the 1960’s people began to worry about what was in their food.
1969: The FDA was asked to develop a system to allow people to see the nutritional qualities of their
food.
1973: Nutrition labeling became mandatory if the food manufacturing companies made a claim about
labeling or if nutrients were added.
1990: Food labeling became mandatory for almost all food packages.
2016: New changes include modifying the list of required nutrients that must be declared on the label,
updating serving size requirements, and providing a refreshed design.
3. What individuals can do
Learn how to read the label
See how many calories you need per day
Learn which ingredients to look out for
Determine what to buy
4. Importance
Labels identify the food, the manufacturer, the
amount, the ingredient list, the expiration date
and preparation tips.
They help recognize the healthful benefits the
item has to offer.
How reading nutrition labels can help you:
Choose which food is most nutritious.
Determine which food has low calories, fat,
cholesterol, sugar and sodium.
Manage your weight.
Choose products with fewer calories and have
more dietary fiber.
Get more ingredients.
5. Impact on poulation
On May 20, 2016, the FDA announced the new Nutrition Facts label for
packaged foods.
Among consumers who say they are watching their weight, 81 percent read
the nutritional panel on product labels.
5% DV or less is low in any daily value
20% DV or more is high in any daily value
If we are stay up by the 20% mark we will be at risk for these diseases
certain cancers
high blood pressure
type 2 diabetes
obesity
heart disease
osteoporosis
6. Resources
Administration Home Page, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,
www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm385663.htm#highlights.
American Heart Association (2015, May 15). Understanding Food Nutrition Labels. American Heart Association. Retrieved from
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/HeartSmartShopping/Reading-Food-Nutrition-Labels_UCM_300132_Article.jsp#.We99j2hSzIV
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Labeling & Nutrition - Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label.” U S Food and Drug Group, The Hartman. “Nutrition 101:
Consumers Actually Do Read Product Labels.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 20 July 2016, www.forbes.com/sites/thehartmangroup/2016/07/20/nutrition-101-consumers-actually-
do-read-product-labels/#11c13f1745e6.
Gunnars, K. (2017, May 30). How Many Calories Should You Eat Per Day to Lose Weight? Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-many-calories-
per-day.
http://blog.watson-inc.com/nutri-knowledge/history-of-the-nutrition-facts-label
Jaret, P. (2008). Reading the Ingredient Label: What to Look For. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/healthy-ingredients#1.
