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U.S. Dietary Guidelines

How To Read The
Nutrition Fact Panel

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently finalized the new Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods. According to FDA, the label will reflect new scientific information, including the link between diet and chronic diseases such as obesity and heart disease. The new label will make it easier for consumers to make better informed food choices. Manufacturers will need to use the new label by July 26, 2018.
 
The new Panel aligns with recommendations provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which better reflects serving size, nutrients and ingredients that focus on health and it updates current percent of Daily Values. Let’s take a look! 
 

  1. Serving Size
    The new panel has eliminated the need to multiply several servings and daily value percentages to know how much has been consumed. The serving size will reflect on actual amount consumption. However, if one does not know the serving size, seeking a nutrition expert such as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist or referring to the MyPlate guidelines are a great resource for understanding proper portion sizes and your individual needs. 
     
  2. Nutrients and Ingredients
    The new panel has made some changes on nutrients and ingredients that reflect current national health concerns. For instance, Vitamin A and C is no longer listed. Vitamin D and potassium will now be included since they are both scientifically linked to promote heart and bone health. Additionally, added sugar will now be listed as a sub-item under Total Sugars in order to align with the new 2015-202 Dietary Guidelines which call for a reduction in added sugars for Americans in relation to obesity.
     
  3. Percent of Daily Values
    To better explain what percent Daily Value (DV) means. Footnote will read: “*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice”. Percent DV are listed for the entire day, not just one meal or snack. The new food label is designed for consumers to help make it easier to read and apply. To learn more, whether you are trying to manage a disease or just want to learn how to more effectively shop for your health or your family, our H-E-B Registered Dietitians are available to help each customer reach their individual goals. Please visit heb.com/nutrition to learn more. Thanks for making H-E-B your destination for health and wellness.
 
Reference: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. What Does the New Nutrition Facts Panel Mean for You? Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Explains Changes. http://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/media/press-releases/new-in-food-nutrition-and-health/new-nutrition-facts-panel-academy-explains US Food and Drug Administration. Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/changes-nutrition-facts-label