The Food and Drug Administration has adopted regulations pertaining to the labeling of processed foods for nutritional information. This labeling will permit consumers to compare the nutritive values of one product with another; to count calories; to learn which foods contribute substantial amounts of nutrients and which foods contain few nutrients; to compare new food products with familiar ones; and to select appropriate foods for modified diets.

Nutritional labeling is voluntary on the part of manufacturers for most roods, but it is hoped that food processors will generally provide such information. Full nutritional labeling is required for (1) any product for which a claim of nutritional value is made in labeling or advertising, and (2) any product that contains one or more added nutrients, such as foods that are restored, fortified, or enriched.

Labeling standard

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowances (U.S. RDA) replaces the Minimum Daily Requirements (MDR) which is now outdated. Although the standard is based upon the Recommended Dietary Allowances, the two tables must not be confused and used interchangeably. For example the RDA has 17 categories for age, sex, pregnancy, and lactation, while the U.S. RDA applies generally to all persons over 4 years except pregnant and lactating women. The allowances in the U.S. RDAs, in most cases, include the highest levels specified in the recommended allowances within this age category. Thus, they exceed the needs of most people. Compare, for example, the U.S. RDA with the recommended dietary allowance for a child of 10 years, a boy of 16 years, and a woman of 35 years. Three U.S. RDA standards have also been proposed for infants under 12 months, children up to 4 years, and pregnant and lactating women. Such standards apply to products intended especially for these groups.

Nutrition information on any label must follow the format and order set by the Food and Drug Administration. The percentage of the U.S. RDA is required for protein and seven vitamins and minerals; the manufacturer may list percentages for twelve additional vitamins and minerals.

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GENERAL HEALTH