Final answer:
The 3 basic types of label claims allowed on food products are Nutrition Facts Labels, Health Claims, and Structure/Function Claims. Nutrition labels provide detailed nutrient content, health claims relate food to health conditions and are FDA-approved, and structure/function claims describe effects on body functions but must include a disclaimer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three basic types of label claims allowed on food products are:
- Nutrition Facts Labels: These labels provide information on the nutrient content per serving of the food, as well as its ingredients. They can help consumers select foods high in desirable nutrients like protein and fiber, and low in less desirable ones such as sodium and sugar.
- Health Claims: These involve specific relationships between a food or food component and a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition. However, all health claims must be reviewed and authorized by the FDA before they can appear on food packaging.
- Structure/Function Claims: These describe the role of a nutrient or dietary ingredient intended to affect normal structure or function in humans, for instance, "calcium builds strong bones". Supplements that make such claims must carry a disclaimer stating the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease" as these are not FDA approved.
All these claims are strictly regulated by the FDA to ensure consumer safety and to avoid misleading information.