This guide has been developed to provide a basic understanding of nutrition claims and labeling rules. Use it to:

• Review key nutrition labeling terms associated with claims.
• Understand the types of claims that manufacturers can choose from for dairy products.
• Clarify the regulations associated with applying claims to dairy products.

Download the complete guide.

Table of Contents

Foreword/Introduction

Nutrition Labeling Claim Basics

• Overview of Product Claims
• “Reference Amount Customarily Consumed” (RACC) and/or “Label Serving Size”
• “Disclosure Statements” and “Disqualifying Levels”
• Daily Values Used on the Nutrition Facts Panel

Nutrient Content Claims

• Overview/Definitions
• General Requirements for Nutrient Content Claims
• Fat, Saturated Fat
• Cholesterol, Sodium
• Absolute Nutrient Content Claims
• High, Good Source
• Calories
• Relative Nutrient Content Claims
• Light, Lite, More
  Implied Nutrient Content Claims
• Healthy
• Numeric
• Numeric Declaration Nutrient Content Claims

Structure/Function Claims

• Overview/Definitions
• Possible Structure/Function Claims At-a-Glance for Dairy Products
• The 3-A-Day™ of Dairy for Stronger Bones and Weight Management Initiative

Health Claims

• Overview/Definitions
• Specific Requirements for Health Claims
• Potential Health Claims At-a-Glance for Dairy Products
• Requirements for Specified Health Claims
• FDAMA Health and Nutrient Content Claims
• Qualified Health Claims

Additional guidance for food labeling developed by the FDA for Industry can be found at:

Guidance for Industry: A Food Labeling Guide (April 2008)

A Labeling Guide for Restaurants and Other Retail Establishments Selling Away-From-Home Foods (April 2008)