Chapter 5 Nutrition Guidelines 119 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. A healthy food does not necessarily have a health claim. Some companies may choose to not use health claims. Minimally processed foods and whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, may not display a product claim. These foods continue to be very healthful food choices. Ingredient Labeling Federal law requires manufacturers to list product ingredients in descending order by weight. Flavorings, color additives, and some spices must be listed by their common names. A complete list of ingredients helps consumers know what is in the foods they buy. People are interested in this information for various reasons. They may want to buy the canned beef stew that contains more beef than any other ingredient. Others want to avoid certain ingredients for religious or cultural reasons. For instance, a vegetarian would want to know that a can of vegetable soup contains beef broth. Some consumers want to avoid substances to which they may be allergic or sen- sitive. Eight foods or food groups are responsible for 90 percent of food allergies. The eight major food allergens include milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, and soybeans. Food manufacturers are required by law to list ingredients found in their products that are major food allergens (Figure 5.11). Some states require that foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or genetically engineered foods in their ingredients be identified on the label. Product Dating The USDA estimates that 30 percent of food is lost or wasted every day. Oftentimes wholesome food is discarded because consumers are confused by product dating on packages. Major Food Allergens Major Food Allergens Milk Eggs Fish (e.g., bass, flounder, cod) Crustacean Shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp) Tree Nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts, pecans) Peanuts Wheat Soybeans Top row: Hurst Photo/Shutterstock.com Dancestrokes/Shutterstock.com Creative Family/Shutterstock.com nito/Shutterstock.com Bottom row: Vitalina Rybakova/Shutterstock.com kaband/Shutterstock.com schankz/Shutterstock.com NIPAPORN PANYACHAROEN/Shutterstock.com Figure 5.11 Food manufacturers are required to list any ingredient that is one of the eight major food allergens on the label.