Question:
Aren't food companies required to post nutritional information?

I'm really upset at how many foods still don't list nutritional data. I thought laws had passed to make it a requirement for food companies to list or make readily available nutritional information. I like to know how many calories I'm eating. I had to go through loops to find out how many are in a biscotti from Starbucks. They can list all kinds of crap on the wrapper but yet they don't have room to list the required nutritional info??? I had to call a long distance number...sit on hold twice and finally!!! found out how many calories. The info is not even available on their web page. (BTW 110 calories in their 5'3/4" almond biscotti). Now I just got in an argument with a lady in a store over how many calories in a pretzel rod covered with chocolate. She said the wrappers were too small...I asked her to go check the box they originally came in...she came back and said it wasn't listed on that either...and there is no number to call the company on the wrapper. The wrapper simply says Star-D Dairy....I couldn't find them online. Herrs brand which are smaller yet then the ones I'm talking about...do list the correct info on their little bitty wrapper. I am OUTRAGED (still ate the pretzel though...lol). What are the specifics of the law requirement and who can I call to complain/report to? I do continue to eat some snacks obviously, I just like to make an educated decision about what I'm eating. Any insight to this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -127    — KimBo36 (posted on August 30, 2002)

August 30, 2002
There are excemptions to food labeling: Nutrition labeling is required on most packaged foods. Exemptions have been provided for the following types of foods: Foods from small retail businesses that have annual gross sales of less than $500,000 or low-volume food products from small businesses (21 CFR 101.9(j)(1). Foods for immediate consumption (e.g., foods sold in restaurants, institutional food service, transportation carriers, bakeries or delicatessens with facilities for immediate consumption, food service vendors) and foods sold for use in such facilities. However, manufacturers must provide nutrition labeling on institutional packs if there is a reasonable possibility that the product will be purchased directly by consumers (21 CFR 101.9(j)(2)). Ready-to-eat foods that are not for immediate consumption but are processed and prepared primarily on the premises in stores such as delicatessens and bakeries (21 CFR 101.9(j)(3)). Foods of no nutritional significance, such as coffee beans, tea leaves, and food colors and flavors (21 CFR 101.9(j)(4)). Donated foods (21 CFR 101.9(a)). Dietary supplements covered under 21 CFR 101.36. It is anticipated that future regulations will revise 21 CFR 101.36 in response to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Infant formula and medical foods (21 CFR 101.9(j)(7) and (8)). Foods shipped in bulk form for use solely in the manufacture of other foods or that are to be processed, labeled, or repacked at a site other than where originally processed or packed (21 CFR 101.9(j)(9)). Raw fruit, vegetables, and fish which are covered by a voluntary nutrition labeling program (21 CFR 101.9(j)(10)). http://www.fda.gov/opacom/morechoices/smallbusiness/blubook.htm#exemnutrlblg
   — Rosario T.

August 30, 2002
Dang, a 5 foot .75 inch biscotti? And it only has 110 kcals? Just point me in the right direction *wink*.
   — Heather K.

August 30, 2002
I gotta laugh...my first thought after reading this was, "Calm down!". Jeez, just don't eat the stupid biscotti! :-)
   — Angie M.

August 30, 2002
Thanks for the great info Rosario! Yeah, I do get a bit worked up over things, only because I'm so used to be surrounded by a so many that just sit back and say things like "well that's the way things are, what can you do?". My crusades are small...but I get things done where others don't :) -Kim
   — KimBo36