|
CFSAN/Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements
April 2008
There are two sets of reference values for reporting nutrients in nutrition labeling: 1) Daily Reference Values (DRVs) and 2) Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs). These values assist consumers in interpreting information about the amount of a nutrient that is present in a food and in comparing nutritional values of food products. DRVs are established for adults and children four or more years of age, as are RDIs, with the exception of protein. DRVs are provided for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sodium, potassium, and protein. RDIs are provided for vitamins and minerals and for protein for children less than four years of age and for pregnant and lactating women. In order to limit consumer confusion, however, the label includes a single term (i.e., Daily Value (DV)), to designate both the DRVs and RDIs. Specifically, the label includes the % DV, except that the % DV for protein is not required unless a protein claim is made for the product or if the product is to be used by infants or children under four years of age. The following table lists the DVs based on a caloric intake of 2,000 calories, for adults and children four or more years of age.
| Food Component | DV |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 65 grams (g) |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Cholesterol | 300 milligrams (mg) |
| Sodium | 2,400 mg |
| Potassium | 3,500 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 25 g |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Vitamin A | 5,000 International Units (IU) |
| Vitamin C | 60 mg |
| Calcium | 1,000 mg |
| Iron | 18 mg |
| Vitamin D | 400 IU |
| Vitamin E | 30 IU |
| Vitamin K | 80 micrograms µg |
| Thiamin | 1.5 mg |
| Riboflavin | 1.7 mg |
| Niacin | 20 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 2 mg |
| Folate | 400 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 6 µg |
| Biotin | 300 µg |
| Pantothenic acid | 10 mg |
| Phosphorus | 1,000 mg |
| Iodine | 150 µg |
| Magnesium | 400 mg |
| Zinc | 15 mg |
| Selenium | 70 µg |
| Copper | 2 mg |
| Manganese | 2 mg |
| Chromium | 120 µg |
| Molybdenum | 75 µg |
| Chloride | 3,400 mg |
In order to calculate the % DV, determine the ratio between the amount of the nutrient in a serving of food and the DV for the nutrient. That is, divide either the actual (unrounded) quantitative amount or the declared (rounded) amount (see next section) by the appropriate DV. When deciding whether to use the unrounded or rounded value, consider the amount that will provide the greatest consistency on the food label and prevent unnecessary consumer confusion. The nutrients in the table above are listed in the order in which they are required to appear on a label in accordance with 21 CFR 101.9(c). This list includes only those nutrients for which a DRV has been established in 21 CFR 101.9(c)(9) or a RDI in 21 CFR 101.9(c)(8)(iv).
