Deciphering the Code of Food Labels

Look for standard language in labels. © ferrantraite | Getty Images

How do you know if a food is really “light” or if it really is “low sodium?” Well, you’ve just entered the wonderful world of nutrient content claims. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of 1990 allows food manufacturers to use consistent language to describe the levels of certain nutrients that are present in the food—these are known as nutrient content claims. (There are also qualified health claims, structure / function claims, and related dietary supplement claims, but this review focuses solely on nutrient content claims.) These claims must be authorized by and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). One outcome of the NLEA is the use of standardized language across food and beverage companies to help consumers identify products that meet their particular needs. Here are some examples of FDA-approved nutrient content claims in the following table. Keep an eye out for this language the next time you’re shopping for groceries. 

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