Discovering the Food System Lesson 4: Food Labels and the Food System

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Printer-friendly .pdf version of this lesson Summary Food Labels and the Food System helps us learn what kinds of information can be found on food labels and how to read the Nutrition Facts table. We will become familiar with the current standard for food labeling - what food manufactures are required to include - as well as what some voluntarily include. Food labels primarily provide information about what is inside the product, the nutrient content, number of calories, and any additives Additionally, this lesson provides an opportunity to develop different kinds of food labels that provide information about the "food system" that is "inside" a food package. What is on food labels (and what is not) can provide insights into why our food system is often mysterious and hard to understand. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this lesson, we should be able to: Identify the major components of a food label. List 3 of the nutrients included on the "nutrition facts" labels. Become aware of health claims on food products. Become familiar with words used to describe aspects of food products. Develop 2 food system messages for a food product label. Key Concepts Food Labeling Nutrition Facts Costs versus Prices Ingredients Food System Labeling Activities See Printer-friendly .pdf version of this lesson for complete actvities, background information, handouts, etc. Reading Food Labels Food System Labels Food for Thought Journal Websites used in this lesson: FDA Food Labeling and Nutrition