While food labels can be confusing enough to cause doubt about what is printed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actually monitors and enforces very strict labeling laws. Regulations range from mandated details to illegal claims.
Package Contents
The front of the label must show the name of the food and the net quantity contained in the package.
Food Manufacturer
The name and full address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor must be included on the label.
Ingredients
All ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance. This means the one with the most weight is listed first and the one with the least weight is listed last. Common names must be used, and water must be included when used as an ingredient.
Nutrition Facts Panel
The following must be included: Serving size, calories, calories from fat; grams of fat, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol; milligrams of sodium; grams of protein, carbohydrate, sugars and fiber; vitamins A and C, iron and calcium expressed as the daily value. Fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates must also be expressed in percent daily value.
Health Claims
An ingredient or food component may be described as it contributes to normal body function, such as "fiber can help maintain bowel regularity." It is illegal to claim that a food or ingredient can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent a disease.
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