What are the requirements for labeling food products with nutritional information?

The labeling of food products with nutritional information is governed by regulations designed to provide consumers with clear and consistent information about the nutritional content of food. In the United States, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) mandates that most packaged foods include a Nutrition Facts label. The Nutrition Facts label must include specific information, such as serving size, calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, total sugars, added sugars, protein, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. The amounts of these nutrients are expressed in grams or milligrams per serving, and as a percentage of the Daily Value (%DV). The Daily Value is the reference amount of a nutrient to consume or not to exceed each day. Serving sizes must be based on the amount of food that people typically eat at one sitting. Claims made about the nutrient content of a food, such as "low fat" or "high fiber," must meet specific regulatory definitions. For example, a product labeled "low fat" must contain 3 grams of fat or less per serving. Allergen labeling is also typically included near the nutrition facts panel. Accurate nutritional information is crucial for helping consumers make informed food choices and maintain a healthy diet. Regular updates to nutrition labeling regulations ensure that the information reflects current scientific understanding of the relationship between diet and health. Failing to comply with nutrition labeling regulations can result in product recalls, fines, and damage to brand reputation.