The Food and Drug Administration requires that all food manufacturers list the
same basic dietary information on their labels these items are listed in boldface
type on all Nutrition Facts Labels.
The Nutrition Facts Label is divided into two parts. The top portion of the label contains product-specific information, such as serving size, calories and nutrient information. The lower part of the label provides general dietary information about important nutrients.
Serving Size: A serving size is based on the amount a person can typically eat and
is usually described as either "pieces" or "cups."
Servings Per Container: Some foods contain more than one serving. One of
UNCLE BEN'S® rice products, for instance, contains about three servings.
The Nutrition Facts Label focuses on the calories and nutrients of one serving. So even though UNCLE BEN'S® rice may feed three, only the single serving size (1 cup cooked) is measured.
Calories and Calories from Fat: Calories represent the amount of energy you can
get from a serving of a particular food item. The label also tells you how much of
the calories indicated come from the total fat.
Nutrients: Separated into two groups, nutrients listed first are the ones we usually
eat enough of in our diet. These are fat, cholesterol and sodium. Eating too much
fat, cholesterol and sodium can increase your risk
of chronic disease, heart disease,
cancer or high blood pressure.
Fat: Fat content is broken down into "total fat" and "saturated fat" grams Ð an
important tool when you are trying to stick to a low-fat diet. Don't just look at the
total fat because
this includes many fats essential for good health. Saturated fat,
on the other hand, is the fat you want to limit.
Total Carbohydrates: This item is also broken down into two components: "dietary fiber" and "sugars."
Products containing high amounts of dietary fiber can boost your overall health.
Sugars, however, should be consumed in moderation.
Protein: A good source of protein is important to your health. Look at this item to determine the amount of protein a food product contains.
Vitamins: Both vitamins A and C are listed on the Nutrition Facts Label because many
Americans don't get enough of these important substances. Check your food label for
adequate amounts of these vitamins.
Calcium: Another crucial nutrient. A product containing ample amounts of calcium
can help maintain bone health.
Iron: Particularly important for women and vegetarians, who need adequate amounts
to maintain good health. Low iron can cause some health problems and conditions, including chronic headaches, fatigue and anemia.
Folate: This nutrient helps support a healthy heart. And since it helps prevent neural tube defects in babies, it's also beneficial for women who are pregnant or trying to be. Many of UNCLE BEN'S® products are an excellent source of folate.
Thiamin: Thiamin (vitamin B1) helps body cells convert carbohydrates into energy.
Essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system, Thiamin is
found in enriched rice, breads, cereals, pasta, lean meats,
fish, dried beans, peas
and soybeans. Thiamin, however, is naturally found in whole grains.
Lower Part of Nutrition Facts Label:
Considered the footnote of the Nutrition Facts label, an asterisk (*) defines what is
meant by "% Daily Value" - that it is based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
This statement
must be on all food labels. Any added information after this footnote varies from
product to product. Some food products may include % daily values of fat,
cholesterol, sodium and carbohydrates for a 2,500-calorie-per-day diet as well.