Chapter 9 Food and Supplement Labeling (2)

What must be included on food labels according to FTC and FDA regulations?

1. The name and form of the product.

2. The net amount of the food or beverage.

3. The name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.

What does it mean if an ingredient is lower on the ingredient list?

The further down the list an item appears, the less of that ingredient is in the product.

What does the 2% rule refer to in ingredient listing?

Ingredients must be listed in descending order by weight, with those in insignificant amounts allowed to be listed at the end.

What is the purpose of the Nutrition Facts label?

To help consumers make healthier food choices and enable value comparisons.

What is the updated rule regarding serving sizes on nutritional labels?

Serving sizes must reflect how much people actually eat and packaged foods typically consumed at once are labeled as a single serving.

What is the significance of the % Daily Value (%DV) on food labels?

It indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet.

Which foods are exempt from nutrition labeling?

1. Raw foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.

2. Foods containing insignificant amounts of nutrients.

3. Bulk food.

4. Foods in packages with a surface area for labeling of less than 12 square inches.

What are the eight major food allergens that must be declared on food labels?

1. Milk

2. Eggs

3. Fish

4. Crustacean shellfish

5. Tree nuts

6. Peanuts

7. Wheat

8. Soybeans.

What is required for a product to be labeled as gluten-free?

It must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

What is a structure/function claim on food labels?

It describes the role of a nutrient or ingredient on the structure or function of the human body.

What distinguishes a health claim from a structure/function claim?

Health claims describe a relationship between a food and a reduced risk of a disease, while structure/function claims describe a role of the nutrient in body functions.

What is required for labeling a qualified health claim?

Companies must petition the FDA for prior written permission before making a qualified health claim.

What is the difference between nutrient content claims and health claims?

Nutrient content claims describe the level of a nutrient in a food, while health claims relate food to a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition.

What are the current good manufacturing practice requirements (CGMPs) for dietary supplements?

They ensure that identity, purity, quality, and composition of dietary supplements are accurately reflected on the label.

What are some precautions supplement users should take?

1. Discuss supplement use with a physician.

2. Use single-supplement products in small doses.

3. Check FDA consumer advisories.

What major factors contribute to the popularity of dietary supplements?

1. Perceived health benefits.

2. Aging population.

3. Increasing healthcare costs.

4. Accessibility and affordability.

What distinguishes herbal supplements from pharmaceutical drugs?

Herbal supplements do not have to meet the same safety and efficacy standards as drugs.

What must manufacturers report regarding dietary supplements?

They must report all serious dietary supplement adverse events to the FDA.

What is the FDA's stance on the legality of CBD products?

The FDA has concluded that CBD and THC products do not meet the definition of dietary supplements.

How should consumers select CBD products?

Buy only from a dispensary if marijuana is legal in their state, ensuring correct labeling of CBD and THC content.

What must be done before a new dietary ingredient can be marketed?

Manufacturers must submit evidence to the FDA supporting that the product is safe for human consumption.

What are the negative effects associated with CBD usage?

CBD can produce nausea, fatigue, and irritability and may interact with certain medications.

What are the benefits of food biotechnology?

1. Higher nutritional value.

2. Healthier crops and greater yields.

3. Better flavor.

4. Improved characteristics.

What is the FDA's position on genetically engineered foods?

The FDA asserts that genetically engineered foods do not pose a health or safety risk.

What must be labeled on irradiated foods?

Federal law requires irradiated foods to be labeled.

What is CBD primarily known for treating?

Certain epilepsy syndromes that usually do not respond to anti-seizure medications.

What is the role of the FDA in responding to unsafe dietary supplements?

If a product is found unsafe, the FDA issues a consumer advisory discouraging its use.

Name one potential risk consumers face when using dietary supplements.

Supplements may contain unproven ingredients, be improperly packaged, or contain contaminants.

What does the footnote on nutrition labels explain about % Daily Value?

It explains how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

What should pregnant or lactating women, and children under 6 do regarding herbal supplements?

They should not use herbs and other botanical supplements.

What is the major focus of dietary and herbal supplements?

They are intended to supplement the diets of individuals, not replace a healthy diet.

What are structure/function claims that do not require FDA approval?

Claims that describe how a food may improve body function but do not relate to disease.

What is a legal requirement for health claims on food labels?

Health claims must be legally defined and can only be made with FDA approval.

What must consumers do before using dietary supplements?

Discuss their use with their healthcare provider and check for FDA advisories.

What are common misconceptions about herbal supplements?

Consumers may presume they are safe and effective without scientific evidence.

How does the market for CBD products compare to regulatory oversight?

The market is growing faster than the science and federal laws to regulate it.

What is the FDA's requirement for food safety regarding new allergens?

Genetically engineered foods do not require labeling unless they contain new allergens.

What important piece of information is often missing from supplement packaging?

Warnings about potential side effects, interactions, or who should not use the product are often absent.

What is a key nutritional feature added to food labels?

Added sugars must be included under total sugars on the label.

How often do dietary supplement regulations change?

The regulations are relatively lax and do not frequently change.

How are nutrient content claims like 'low' or 'high' defined?

They are legally defined terms that describe the level of nutrients in food.

What are some risks of taking dietary supplements according to the FDA?

Supplements may contain contaminants and are not required to prove safety before marketing.

What does the USDA require for certain food origins?

Country of origin labeling for products like beef, chicken, and certain nuts.

What should be prominent in food and supplement labels?

Larger font sizes for calories, servings per container, and serving size.

What is an example of an unqualified health claim?

'Calcium may help prevent osteoporosis.'

What constitutes a qualified health claim?

Claims that require FDA-approved language and prior written permission.

What happens if a consumer experiences adverse effects from a supplement?

They should discontinue use immediately and consult with their healthcare provider.

Why are structure/function claims appealing to consumers?

They suggest potential benefits without needing FDA approval.

What advice is given to those considering herbal supplements?

Consult a healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with medications.

How should supplements be used in relation to medications?

They should be taken at different times from prescribed medications.

What kind of labeling is mandatory for irradiated foods?

Federal law mandates that irradiated foods must be labeled.

What is encouraged when discussing supplementation in healthcare?

Open communication about supplement use to avoid misdiagnosis and interactions.

What is a significant misunderstanding consumers have about dietary supplements?

Many believe they are all safe and effective despite lack of regulatory oversight.

What does the market for dietary and herbal supplements primarily consist of?

Vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other botanicals.

What are common types of dietary supplements?

Capsules, tablets, lozenges, liquids, or teas.

How does supplement marketing differ from pharmaceutical marketing?

Supplements do not require pre-market testing or approval by the FDA.

What percentage of food allergies are caused by the eight major allergens?

These eight allergens are responsible for 90% of all food allergies.

What are important considerations for consumers regarding food biotechnology practices?

Potential benefits include improved food characteristics and nutritional value.

What role does food irradiation play in food safety?

It reduces or eliminates pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses.

What does the FDA require for dietary supplement marketers?

They must provide evidence of safety for new dietary ingredients.

What safety measures should be ensured when purchasing supplements?

Products should be free of contaminants and accurately reflect their labeled ingredients.

Why might some food products not require labeling?

If the surface area for labeling is less than 12 square inches.