Chapter 9: Food Labeling

1. Requirements for Listing Ingredients on Food Labels

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that food labels provide specific information to ensure transparency and consumer safety. Key requirements include:

• Statement of Identity: The common or usual name of the food product.

• Net Quantity of Contents: The amount of product in the package, typically expressed in weight, measure, or numerical count.

• Ingredient List: All ingredients must be listed in descending order of predominance by weight. This means the ingredient that weighs the most is listed first, and the ingredient that weighs the least is listed last.

• Allergen Declaration: Major food allergens (e.g., milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans) must be clearly identified.

• The Nutrition Facts Label provides detailed information about the nutritional content of the food, including servings per container, serving size, calories, and nutrient information.

• Manufacturer Information: Name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor.

These requirements help consumers make informed choices and manage dietary restrictions effectively.

2. How the Nutrition Facts Label Assists Consumers in Making Better Food Choices

The Nutrition Facts label is a tool designed to help consumers understand the nutritional content of food products. It includes:

• Serving Size and Servings Per Container: Clarifies the amount of food that constitutes one serving and the total number of servings in the package.

• Caloric Content: Indicates the number of calories per serving, aiding in energy intake management.

• Nutrient Information: Details the amount of nutrients per serving, including total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

• % Daily Value (%DV): Shows how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet, based on a 2,000-calorie reference.

Additionally, food labels use specific nutrient content claims to help consumers make informed decisions:

3. Examples of Unqualified and Qualified Health Claims

Health claims on food labels communicate the relationship between a food substance and health.

• Unqualified Health Claims: Authorized by the FDA based on significant scientific agreement and do not require a disclaimer. Example: "Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure."

• Qualified Health Claims: Supported by emerging evidence but not yet conclusive. These require a disclaimer. Example: "Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, the FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive."

4. Differences Between Regulation and Marketing of Dietary Supplements and Drugs

5. Precautions for Supplement Users to Limit Potential Adverse Effects

To minimize risks associated with dietary supplements, consumers should:

• Consult Healthcare Providers: Discuss any supplements with a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications or managing health conditions.

• Research Products: Choose supplements from reputable manufacturers that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Look for third-party testing or certifications.

• Follow Recommended Dosages: Adhere to suggested serving sizes and avoid exceeding recommended amounts.

• Monitor for Adverse Reactions: Be vigilant about any negative effects and discontinue use if necessary.

• Report Issues: Report adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch program to help monitor supplement safety.

6. Discussion on the Use of Cannabidiol (CBD)

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, gaining popularity for potential therapeutic benefits:

• Uses: Marketed for conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy. The FDA has approved one CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for treating certain forms of epilepsy.

• Regulation: CBD products exist in a complex regulatory environment. While Epidiolex is FDA-approved, many over-the-counter CBD products lack FDA approval, leading to variability in quality and labeling accuracy.

• Safety Considerations: Consumers should be cautious due to potential interactions with medications and inconsistent product quality.