Food Label for the 21st Century: Implications for the Renal Dietitian

Abstract

Nutrition labeling has been a concern of consumers for many years. Due to the multiple diet parameters of individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the use of food labels becomes critical in maintaining control of many nutrients simultaneously while enhancing the overall health status of the individual. The wide variety of continually changing food products necessiates both professional and patient understanding of food labels. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act passed by Congress in November 1990 requires mandatory nutrition and ingredient information labeling for most foods under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration by May 1993, with the US Department of Agriculture expected to follow a similar timetable under a separate labeling initiative. This clinical brief will focus on the new requirements, resulting changes to food labels, and implications for the renal dietitian caring for the ESRD patient. Nutrition labeling has been a concern of consumers for many years. Due to the multiple diet parameters of individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the use of food labels becomes critical in maintaining control of many nutrients simultaneously while enhancing the overall health status of the individual. The wide variety of continually changing food products necessiates both professional and patient understanding of food labels. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act passed by Congress in November 1990 requires mandatory nutrition and ingredient information labeling for most foods under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration by May 1993, with the US Department of Agriculture expected to follow a similar timetable under a separate labeling initiative. This clinical brief will focus on the new requirements, resulting changes to food labels, and implications for the renal dietitian caring for the ESRD patient.