Food Labels

Click on the words in bold for a definition.

Companies that package food have to put food labels on their packages. The food labels give the shopper information. Almost all packaged food has food labels. Information on raw foods like meat, poultry, seafood, and produce is voluntary.

Packaged food didn't always have food labels. A new law in 1990 said most food had to have labels. The labels have to include the name of the food, the name and address of the company, how much is in the package, a list of ingredients, the size of a serving, and a Nutrition Facts Panel.

Click here for an example of a Nutrition Facts Panel. You can click on each part of the label and read about it. Then look below the label for some questions and answers about food labels.