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.       

• Foreword/Introduction

• 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

• Overview/Definitions
• General Requirements for Nutrient Content Claims
• Examples of Nutrient Content Claims for Dairy Products
• High, Good Source
• Fat, Saturated Fat
• Cholesterol
• Sodium
• Calorie
• Light, Lite
• Healthy
• Numeric Declaration

• Overview/Definitions
• General Requirements for Health Claims
• Potential Health Claims for Dairy Products
• Specific Requirements for Health Claims
• FDAMA Health and Nutrient Content Claims
• Qualified Health Claims

• Overview/Definitions
• Examples of Structure/Function Claims

• Nutrient Fortification
• Federal Standards of Identity for Dairy Foods
• Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance
• Processing and Nutrient Definitions
• Determining a Product Name
• Acknowledgment/Resources/Contact Information

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

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

Guidance for Industry Food Labeling: Health Claims; Calcium and Osteoporosis, and Calcium, Vitamin D, and Osteoporosis; Small Entity Compliance Guide

FDA’s website redesign allows consumers, health professionals and industry to find information more easily:   http://www.fda.gov/Food/default.htm