Common Supplement Facts Mistakes

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The following issues are common on labels. make sure they’re not on yours!

The example below is wrong! How many issues can you spot?

  1. The “Supplement Facts” header does not run full width of box.
  2. The metric serving size is given first, the “US Customary” household measure (tbsp) is second.
  3. Calories and total fat are listed even though they are zero, or below the significant amount required to be listed. Note that this is different for dietary supplements than foods, which confuses some people. Calories must not be listed if below 5, for example.
  4. Sucrose is listed as a dietary ingredient instead of “other ingredient”. Sucrose should be called by its customary or usual name: sugar
  5. Added sugars from sucrose are not listed.
  6. Protein is listed with a %DV
  7. There is no source ingredient for Vitamin C
  8. The proprietary blend of amino acids has no units of measure (mg or g)
  9. Turmeric has no plant part (e.g. root or rhizome) and no amount or units.

Fixes

  1. Use IMAGE menu and adjust size of header using [+] button
  2. Always list US Customary measure followed by metric equivalent e.g. Serving Size 1 tbsp (3g). If the serving is a unit dosage form, e.g. capsule or tablet, only the serving is required, e.g. 2 capsules (with no metric equivalent.)
  3. Remove all insignificant amounts by unchecking the item box. You will see messages regarding insignificant amounts and automatic rounding of values at the top of the page.
  4. Choose type “other ingredient” for sucrose and change to sugar
  5. Create a line for added sugars
  6. It is recommended to list protein without a %DV unless you meet the requirements of 21 CFR Sect.101.9. Note: Protein must not be declared on labels of products that, other than ingredients added solely for technological reasons, contain only individual amino acids.
  7. Add source ingredient for Vitamin C, e.g. ascorbic acid
  8. Add units for the proprietary blend.
  9. Add amount and units for turmeric, include plant part.

Don’t forget to save your corrected label!

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