| By law, food labels with nutrition information is required on almost all packaged foods. Basic information includes the name of the food, the ingredients (listed in order according to weight), and the net weight of the contents (that is, not including the packaging).
The label must provide nutritional facts which list:
- Serving size.
- Number of servings per package.
- Calories per serving.
- Amount of protein, total carbohydrates, total fat, saturated fat, dietary fiber and, sugar per serving (measured in grams).
- Amount of sodium and cholesterol per serving (measured in milligrams).
- Vitamins A and C and minerals calcium and iron supplied, in percentages of "Daily values" which have been set by the government for nutrients important to the health of today's consumers.
Here are some other labeling terms and what they mean.
Low calorie - 40 calories or less per serving.
Reduced calorie - At least 25% fewer calories. Used for foods with at least one-third fewer calories per serving when compared to a similar food.
Sugar-free - Less than 1/2 gram sugar per serving.
Low Sugar - May not be used as a claim.
Reduced Sugar - Contains at least 25% less sugar per serving compared with a similar food.
Sodium-free - Contains less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Very low sodium - Contains 35 milligrams or less of sodium per serving.
Low sodium - Contains 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving.
Reduced sodium - Applies to foods that contain at least 25 % less sodium when compared to a similar food.
Low Fat - Must contain 3 grams or less of fat per serving..
Extra lean. Must contain no more than 5 grams total fat, less than 2 grams saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams cholesterol per serving.
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