Health Claims on Food Labels: What Do They Really Mean?

Have you ever wondered what manufacturers mean when they advertise that their product is fat free? Is the product really fat free? And what is the difference between reduced fat and light?

The government strictly regulates food labeling and tests food products to ensure that the manufacturers are not being deceptive in their advertising. Here is a list of the most common claims seen on food packaging, and what these claims mean, according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

• Calorie free… Less than 5 calories per serving.
• Fat free / sugar free… Less than ˝ gram fat or sugar per serving.
• Low sodium… Less than 140 mg. of salt per serving.
• Low calorie… Less than 40 calories per serving.
• Low cholesterol… Less than 20 mg. of cholesterol and 2 gm. of fat/serving.
• Reduced… 25% less of the specified nutrient or calories than the usual product.
• Good source of… Provides at least 10% of the Daily Value of a particular vitamin or nutrient per serving.
• High in… Provides 20% or more of the Daily Value of a specified nutrient per serving.
• High fiber… 5 or more grams of fiber per serving.
• Lean (meat, poultry, seafood)… 10 grams of fat or less, 4 ˝ grams of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg. cholesterol per 3 ˝ serving.
• Light… 1/3 fewer calories or ˝ the fat of the usual food.
• Healthy… Decreased fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol and at least 10 % of the Daily Value of vitamins A, C, iron, protein, calcium, and fiber.

The FDA also defines the health-related claims that manufacturers can use in labeling and advertising, in order to help consumers identify foods that are rich in nutrients and that may help to prevent chronic disease conditions. Here are a few to look for:

• Osteoporosis… Calcium rich foods may help prevent osteoporosis.
• Hypertension… Low in sodium.
• Heart disease… Low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Heart disease… Five a day to meet fiber requirements.
• Cancer… Fiber rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains.
• Birth defects… Diet rich in folate and the B vitamins.
• High cholesterol… Diet rich in soluble fiber, limit saturated fatty acids.

  Sources:
The American Dietetic Association
US Food and Drug Administration

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