Status of nutrition labeling, health claims, and nutrient content claims for processed foods: 1997 Food Label and Package Survey.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducts studies of food labels as part of its ongoing monitoring of the nutritional status of the US population. In 1994 FDA nutrition labeling rules were implemented and in 1997 the Food Label and Package Survey characterized various aspects of the labeling of processed, packaged foods, including nutrition labeling, health claims, and nutrient content claims. For the survey, FDA selected a multistage, representative sample of food products from the SCAN-TRACK food sales database (AC Nielsen Co, Schaumburg, Ill). FDA identified 58 product groups and selected those product classes from the database that accounted for 80% of sales in each group. From each product class, FDA selected the 3 top-selling product brands and randomly selected follower brands. Based on label information from a final sample of 1,267 food products, FDA determined the percentage of products sold that bear Nutrition Facts labels, health claims, and nutrient content claims. The purpose of this article was to present FDA findings regarding the status of food labels 3 years after implementation of the nutrition labeling rules. Nutrition-labeled products accounted for an estimated 96.5% of the annual sales of processed, packaged foods. An additional 3.4% of products sold were exempt from labeling regulations. Nutrient content claims and health claims appeared on an estimated 39% and 4%, respectively, of the products sold. Dietitians and other health care professionals can use this survey information to identify food types with specific label information and to assist the US consumer in making more varied and healthful food choices in the marketplace.

Final regulations for the nutrition labeling of raw fruits, vegetables, and fish.

In August 1996, the US Food and Drug Administration published regulations that revised the guidelines for voluntary nutrition labeling of raw fruits, vegetables, and fish; revised the criteria for retailers' compliance with the guidelines; and updated the nutrition labeling values for the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruits, vegetables, and fish. These actions were in response to the requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 and make the voluntary nutrition labeling program more consistent with mandatory nutrition labeling of other foods. The provisions of the final rule are important for dietitians who develop nutrition education materials for retail stores and for dietitians who instruct patients and clients in selecting foods according to nutrition labeling information.

Nutrition labeling of raw fruit, vegetables, and fish.

In response to certain requirements of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (the 1990 amendments), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed a voluntary nutrition labeling program for the 20 most frequently consumed raw fruit, vegetables, and fish in the United States. FDA used data on retail sales and food consumption to identify which foods to include in the program and developed guidelines for retailers to use in setting up the labeling program in their stores. FDA provided interim nutrition labeling data for retail use. These data are to be revised and updated at least every 2 years. A representative sample of 2,000 grocery stores will be used to assess compliance of retailers with the nutrition labeling guidelines. Substantial compliance with the guidelines is defined as compliance by 60% of the 2,000 stores.

Evaluation of vitamin A toxicity.

Toxicity has been associated with abuse of vitamin A supplements and with diets extremely high in preformed vitamin A. Consumption of 25,000-50,000 IU/d for periods of several months or more can produce multiple adverse effects. The lowest reported intakes causing toxicity have occurred in persons with liver function compromised by drugs, viral hepatitis, or protein-energy malnutrition. Certain drugs or other chemicals may markedly potentiate vitamin A toxicity in animals. Especially vulnerable groups include children, with adverse effects occurring with intakes as low as 1,500 IU.kg-1.d-1, and pregnant women, with birth defects being associated with maternal intakes as low as approximately 25,000 IU/d. The maternal dose threshold for birth defects cannot be identified from present data. An identifiable fraction of the population surveyed consumes vitamin A supplements at 25,000 IU/d and a few individuals consume much more. beta-Carotene is much less toxic than vitamin A.