What Is a Food Label and Why Is It Important?

Question 1

Nutrition Facts Panel

Answer 1

The area on the food label that provides a uniform listing of specific nutrients obtained in one serving of the food.

Question 2

Daily Values (DVs)

Answer 2

Established reference levels of nutrients, based on a 2,000-calorie diet, that are used on food labels.

Question 3

Nutrient Content Claim

Answer 3

Claims on the label that describes the level or amount of a nutrient in a food product.

Question 4

Health Claim

Answer 4

Claim on the label that describes a relationship between a food or dietary compound and a disease or health-related condition.

Question 5

Structure/Function Claim

Answer 5

Claim on the label that describes how a nutrient or dietary compound affects the structure or function of the human body.

Question 6

What information does the FDA require a label provided?

Answer 6

1. The name of the food
2. The net weight of the food
3. A list of ingredients
4. A Nutrition Facts panel.

Question 7

What key words are used in a nutrient content claim?

Answer 7

1. Reduced or Less
2. Light
3. Low
4. Free
5. “Excellent source of,” high, or rich
6. “Good source of”
7. Added, extra, more, or plus

Question 8

What is an Authorized Health Claim?

Answer 8

A claim based on a well-established relationship between the food or compound and the health benefit.

Question 9

What is a Health Claim based on Authoritative Statements?

Answer 9

A claim based on statements made by a U.S. government agency, such as the CDC and NIH.

Question 10

What is a Qualified Health Claim?

Answer 10

A claim based on evidence that is still emerging.