Nutritional Labeling and Nutrient Level Claims

Abstract

This chapter talks about the regulation of the nutritional labeling and nutritional claims. Historically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibited health claims in food labeling. Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act prior to 1990, all health claims were considered illegal drug claims. Congress passed the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) in 1990. The NLEA was enacted in response to the consumer's demand for more information about the nutritional content of food products and the presence of food additives and allergens. The details of the nutrition facts panel requirements are quite specific and numerous. Section 4205 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) established requirements for limited nutrition labeling of standard menu items for chain restaurants, similar retail food establishments, and chain vending machine operators. FDA uses the terminology “nutrient content claims” and “nutrient descriptors” interchangeably.