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Followup To
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What does it mean when a label says,"contains less than 2% of the following"? does it mean that those ingredients make up less than 2% of the total, or that there is less than 2% of each of the listed ingredients? My concern is that if it is the latter, there could be close to 2% of each ingredient. If it 's the former, then there is probably just a trace of each.



Thanks

I must not have made the question clear. I'm not talking about the part of the label that gives the percentages of the total daily requirement. I am talking about the part where it lists the ingredients. For example it might say something like, "ingredients: beef, rice, carrots, green beans. Contains less than 2% of the following: wheat flour, peanut oil." Does that mean that wheat flour and peanut oil TOGETHER make up less than 2% of the total, or that EACH ONE is less than 2% of the total?

Thanks again,

Jo



Jo
Answer -
That would depend on what nutrient and/or food you are talking about.  If it is a vitmain or mineral than that means that there is less than 2% of the DRI (Dietary Reference Intake).  For example, the DRI for calcium is 1,000 mg so less than 2% would mean there is less than 2% of 1,000 mg in the product.  If you are talking about a macronutrient such as fiber than that means there is less than 2% of the DV or Daily Value.  The "Reference Daily Value" based on 2,000 calories is included on every label.  The DV for fiber is 25 grams (based on 2,000 calories) so if it were to say less than 2% it would mean less than 2% of 25 grams.  If you are talking about a specific ingredient than it means that the food does include that ingredient but only by 2% of the total so it is only a trace.  BUT if it is something you are allergic or sensitive too than even 2% can be a problem.  It basically means there is only a trace of that nutrient and that it is NOT a good source of that nutrient but it is still there.
Happy New Year,
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

Answer
It means that each ingredient is less than 2% of the total.  Keep in mind that if your worry is a food allergy or food intolerance, less than 2% means that ingredient is still there.  It may be a small amount but the product still contains it.
Kim Tessmer, RD LD

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