What are the FDA's guidelines for food labeling?

The Food and Drug Administration has established comprehensive guidelines for food labeling to ensure that consumers have access to accurate and useful information about the products they purchase. These guidelines cover various aspects of food labeling, including nutritional information, ingredient lists, health claims, and allergen information. One of the key components of food labeling is the Nutrition Facts panel, which must be present on most packaged foods. This panel provides information on the serving size, calories, and nutrient content, such as fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The FDA sets specific regulations regarding the format and content of this panel to make it understandable for consumers. In addition to nutritional information, food labels must list all ingredients in descending order by weight. This requirement helps consumers identify potential allergens and other ingredients they may wish to avoid. The FDA also specifies that certain common allergens, such as peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, fish, and shellfish, must be clearly labeled to protect individuals with food allergies. The FDA allows for health claims on food labels but strictly regulates them to ensure that they are not misleading. Any claims made regarding the health benefits of a food product must be based on scientific evidence. Overall, the guidelines aim to promote informed consumer choices and enhance food safety. For more detailed and specific information regarding these guidelines, it is advisable to refer to the current web page of the FDA, where one can find additional resources and contact information for inquiries.