Nutrition Labeling

A major reason for analyzing the chemical components of foods in the USA is nutrition labeling regulations. Nutrition label information is not only legally required in many countries but also is of increasing importance to consumers as they focus more on health and wellness. This chapter focuses on nutrition labeling regulations in the USA, as specified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a brief summary of regulations for the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The FDA and FSIS of the USDA have coordinated their regulations on nutrition labeling. Nutrition labeling regulations define the format for the nutrition information and give the rules and methods to report specific information. Specifications include sample collection procedures, the method of analysis to be used, and the nutrient levels required to ensure compliance with nutrition labeling regulations. Specific nutrient content claims and health claims are allowed on the nutrition label. The nutrition labeling regulations covered in this chapter are only those closely linked to food analysis. Readers are referred to appropriate sections of the Code of Regulations for all details of FDA and USDA regulations.