The food label provides 14 pieces of information to help consumers make informed choices about their food intake and diet. It includes serving sizes, ingredients, percentages of daily values for key nutrients, and levels of excessive nutrients like fat, cholesterol, and sodium. To get the full picture, consumers should understand all parts of the label and use percentages of daily values to compare foods and plan a balanced daily menu that meets daily values. This allows them to choose products with higher percentages of important nutrients while avoiding foods with excessive levels of unhealthy nutrients.

1. THE FOOD LABEL

2. Why a it is a source of consumer education it is mandatory food statements must meet FDA/USDA definitions health claims and affects of diet on health makes comparison of products easy helps you balance food choices FOOD LABEL?

3. FOOD LABELS AND THE NUTRITION FACTS all foods have pros + and cons - look at the total label for the total picture can find 14 pieces of information

4. 1. SERVING SIZES must give the servings size in a consistent realistic household and metric measures uniform across product lines sizes are close to amount people eat * 28g = 1oz. * 1g = 1,000mg ~total servings per container are listed

5. 2. INGREDIENTS listed in descending order of weight required on most foods sources of some will be stated by name to help people better identify ingredients

6. 3. % of NUTRITION BASE is a footnote that is on all labels the % of daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet this is based on current dietary guidance facilitating the basics of planning a good diet

7. 4. Key Nutrients (+) choose products with a higher % of daily value from the key nutrients nutrients with over 10% Daily Value are considered good sources dietary fiber protein Vitamin A calcium vitamin C iron key important nutrients are:

8. Reasons the Six Key Nutrients * are Good for Your Health protein (5g or more): body cell growth dietary fiber: regulation of digestion vitamin A: night vision vitamin C: healing of tissue iron: health blood calcium: strong bones and teeth nutrients* that relate to health concerns as heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis

9. 5. Excessive Nutrients too much can cause health problems eat in moderation over 200 calories is too many 10 % or more of fat, cholesterol, and sodium is excessive

10. SUMMARY in order to“get the total picture” when reading a food label, one needs to understand the complete label, not just one portion, in order to make an informed decision about the planned daily food intake use the % of Daily Value to quickly compare foods and understand how the serving fits into a 2,000 calorie diet plan a daily menu to meet the % Daily Value to help one eat a balanced diet the nutritions should = 100% of the key nutrition for a health daily menu plan avoid buying and consuming foods with excessive nutrition's

11. … With this new “tool” one’s decision making related to nutrition food intake and purchasing is made easier. Good nutrition eating!