Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2021 - 18

Continued from page 17
this recommendation. As mentioned previously, trans fat was
added to the panel in 1999. It is recommended that we do not
consume trans fat for optimal health.
Addition of Added Sugars
Evidence-based research indicates that reducing intake of
added sugars is important for our health. The American Heart
Association recommends no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams)
of added sugar daily for men, and no more than 6 teaspoons
(24 grams) of added sugar daily for women and children. This
addition to the Nutrition Facts label makes it easy for consumers
to quickly assess if their consumption of a product helps them
stay within this guideline. The DGAs recommend that we
consume no more than 10 percent of calories from added sugars
per day starting at age two, and avoid foods and beverages with
added sugars for those younger than age two. For a 2,000-calorie
diet, this would be 200 calories coming from sugar or 50 grams
of added sugar. The Percent Daily Value (% DV) reflects this
DGA recommendation. For example, 20 oz of a popular sugary
soda contains 177 grams of added sugar, or 154 percent of the
DV. That could create sticker shock for a consumer who is trying
to improve their health.
Updated List of Vitamins and Minerals
The Nutrition Facts Label Final Rule requires the declaration of
Vitamin D and Potassium and does not require declaration of
Vitamins A and C anymore. Requirements to include Iron and
Calcium are unchanged. Vitamin D and Potassium are now
required on the label because Americans do not consistently get
these nutrients. Vitamins A and C are no longer required, as
deficiencies of these vitamins are uncommon.
Changes in Serving Size
By law, serving sizes must be based on the amount of food people
typically consume, rather than how much they should consume.
The FDA used data from USDA food consumption and intake
surveys to create Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed
(RACC) for categories of similar foods. RACC were used as
standards to establish serving size. For example, the serving size
for most soda products has changed from 8 fluid ounces to 12
fluid ounces. It is important to note that if the serving size for a
food or beverage has increased, the calories and other nutrients
listed on the Nutrition Facts label will also increase. Do not be
alarmed if your favorite foods seem to have increased in calories.
It may appear that the caloric content for some products has
18 NUTRITION & FOODSERVICE EDGE | July-August 2021
BY LAW, SERVING
SIZES MUST BE BASED
on the amount of food
people typically consume,
rather than how much
they should consume.
changed, when in fact the ingredients are the same, but the
serving size has been updated.
New Format and Font
The new panel focuses on increased prominence of Calories and
Serving Size. You will see them stand out in bold and larger font.
SUMMARY
The Nutrition Facts label has changed, but the intent of it has
not. It is a hands-on teaching and informational tool, helping
people choose wisely or consume the nutrients they should eat
Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Nutrition & Foodservice Edge Magazine - July/August 2021
