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Choosing Between 'Low Fat' and 'Reduced Fat'

By:   Jean Carper

About 60% of us check nutrition labels on food packages. But confusing terms can derail your efforts to be a smart eater. Here's how the FDA defines some common terms:

Fat

  • Fat-free:Less than 0.5g fat per serving
  • Low saturated fat:1g or less per serving
  • Low fat:3g or less per serving
  • Reduced fat:At least 25% less fat than regular version
  • Light in fat:Half the fat (or less) of regular version


Sodium

  • Sodium-free or salt-free:Less than 5mg sodium per serving
    Very low sodium:35mg or less per serving
  • Low sodium:140mg or less per serving
  • Low-sodium meal:140mg or less per serving
  • Reduced or less sodium:At least 25% less sodium than regular version
  • Light in sodium:At least 50% less sodium than regular version
  • Unsalted or no salt added:No salt added during processing


Copyright 2004 Jean Carper. Printed first in USA Weekend. All rights reserved.

For more information from Jean Carper, go to www.Jeancarper.com

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