5 must be identified specifically in all products because it can cause allergic reactions in some persons. Protein and certain vitamins and minerals may be added by the manufacturers to make a food more nutritious or to restore nutrients lost in the processing. Today more than half the foods on the supermarket shelf are labeled with nutrition information. Many food products don't require nutrition labeling, but the manufacturers include the information anyway, knowing how important nutrition information is to consumers. Examine the nutrition label.
Manufacturers also have the option of listing cholesterol, fatty acids, and potassium content.
The percentages show how much a serving of the food contributes to the amount recommended per day. Sodium content is the latest addition to nutrition labeling. FDA requires sodium listing because sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure in some people. These foods are generally called standardized foods. A standard of identity describes the ingredients the food must contain if it is to be called by a particular common name, for example, ketchup, mayonnaise, etc.