Final answer:
Prescription labels must include specific information such as patient and doctor names, drug details, dosage instructions, and other key data for safe medication use, while nutrition facts labels on food list nutrient contents and ingredients, including any added nutrients.
Step-by-step explanation:
At a minimum, a prescription label must include specific pieces of information that are essential for proper identification and safe use of the medication.
This information includes the name of the patient, the name of the prescribing doctor, the date of the prescription, the name and strength of the drug, the dosage instructions, the dispensing pharmacist's information, the prescription number, and may also contain warnings about the medication.
Additionally, medication bottles or packaging will have the expiration date and the number of refills allowed if applicable.
In the context of food, the FDA requires nutrition facts labels on packaged foods that list the nutrient content per serving, micronutrients including percentages of selected vitamins and minerals, and ingredients.
These labels help consumers make informed choices by showing what nutrients the food contains and in what amounts.
Foods that have been fortified with nutrients, such as drinks that have been "vitamin enriched," will specifically list these added nutrients.
Moreover, regulation stipulates that drugs are to be advertised only for indications approved by the FDA, and advertisements must maintain a fair balance between the benefits and risks of the drug.
To protect consumer health, the Drug Advertising Regulation requires that off-label uses are not promoted, and commitments to postmarket safety surveillance are upheld.