by Jennifer Valicia

Created on: September 23, 2008

The commercialization and industrialization of our food has brought convenience to our kitchens and tables but at a steep price. The contents of the food we buy may be much different than we expect. An estimated 3,000 food additives are approved as safe in the US, acting as preservatives, flavorings, colorings, food processing aids, and more. Nutrition and food contents can be highly variable across seemingly identical products. Our best protection as consumers? Check food labels and examine the contents before purchasing.

FOOD SAFETY AND LABELING

There are so many reasons why it is necessary to check food contents, including food allergies, weight loss and dietary goals, various medical conditions, and general health concerns. Food labels tell us exactly what is contained within the product, in what quantities, and with what nutritional values. Understanding the labels on our food can help us make healthy, informed choices regarding the food we purchase and how its consumption affects our bodies.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administrative (FDA) is the main regulatory body overseeing foods in the United States. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), food labeling is required of most prepared foods including breads, cereals, desserts, canned foods, frozen foods, drinks, etc. Meats and poultry fall under the jurisdiction of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The goal of labeling is to assist the consumer in comparing similar products and in making healthful choices. Food labels are highly regulated in format, content, and the health claims asserted. Complicated formulas dictate exactly how large the labels must be as well as font size and setup in each section. There are two main label areas which must contain certain information regarding the food contents.

1) The Principal Display Panel (PDP) is usually located on the front of the food package and must include both a "Product Identity Statement" and a declaration of the "Net Quantity of Contents."
2) The Information Panel (IP) is immediately to the right of the PDP and must include a listing of ingredients, name and address of manufacturer, number of servings, and nutritional information, and any pertinent warning or disclosure information.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients are listed on the Information Panel in order of highest percentage of overall content. The first ingredient is the most prevalent ingredient, and is not always the ingredient we would expect. Furthermore, a long list of un-pronouncable

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