But the government regulates the information on the label, right? I mean, they can’t put it on there is it isn’t true! There are things you need to know about what’s missing or misleading on a food label that could be affecting your health.

1. The serving size. There are recommended standards for what constitutes a “serving size” but it may not be a realistic amount or easy to compare from product to product. Some products may declare a serving size in cups while others in millitres, leaving you standing in the store aisle calculating. Either way, it is up to the consumer to decide if that amount is the amount that will be consumed. Be sure you know the serving size is not the recommended amount that you should eat but that it is a reference number upon which everything else rests.
2. % of Daily Value. The number chosen is for a 2000 calorie per day diet which represents an average. And you are not average. So much can affect how many calories are right for you. Be sure that you know whether your number is higher or lower.
3. Rounding error. 2 grams of saturated fat could be as much as 2.49 grams that have been rounded down, which is not a huge deal if you only consume one serving. What’s a half a gram, give or take, right? But, many serving sizes are deceptively small and quickly add up to give you 1 or 2 more grams of your average 56 gram or so limit. Be sure you keep this number as low as possible and get your good fats from whole foods like nuts and eggs.
4. Slippery Sodium. Health Canada estimates that 88% of our salt intake comes from packaged foods so simply putting away the salt shaker isn’t the solution. Packages contain a “% Daily Value” amount that is too high so it obscures the facts. Most health care professionals recommend around 1500 mg as a maximum per day. Nutrition labels allow 2400 mg per day. Be sure that this is a percentage that you stay well below. Here are some ways to reduce sodium, but in the meantime, read every package, add up your sources for a day and do not go above 75% of the “% DV”.
5. There are only 13 “important nutrients” that must be listed on a label. But of course, a healthy diet contains much, much more. If a piece of fruit listed all of its nutrients, the label would wrap around it many times over. Most of your nutrients will actually be coming from whole foods that you clean, peel or cook…Be Sure that this is also where most of your calories come from and you will be right on track.