Understanding Food Labels: The Five Components Required by the FDA

The FDA requires that all food labels include the following information:

1. Statement of Identity
The common name of a food product so consumers know what they're getting

2. Net Contents
The quantity of food in the entire package. Can be given as weight, volume, or numerical count.

3. Ingredient List
Common names of all ingredients listed in descending order by weight.

4. Identification of Food Manufacturer, Packer or Distributor
The name and address must be provided. Consumers can use this to find out more information on where their food comes from. Useful in case something is wrong with the product or it is suspected of causing illness.

5. Nutrition Information
The Nutrition Facts Panel includes five pieces:
     -Serving size and servings per container
     -Total Calories and Calories from Fat per serving
     -List of Nutrients (Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium, Carbohydrates, Sugars, Protein, Vitamins, etc)
     -Percent Daily Values for each Nutrient based on a 2,000 calorie diet
     -Footnote section explaining daily values to help consumers

For more information on nutrition facts panels and understanding food labels, check out the FDA's website.