When consumers see on the Nutrition Facts panel that a product provides 25% of the Daily Value (DV) of carbohydrates, some interpret that percentage to mean the product is made up of 25% carbohydrates. Thats one of the findings in a new research project by the Interna – tional Food Information Council, an industry association. The results are being provided to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is currently undertaking its own research before possible changes to nutrition labeling. The industry study found that the DV percentages were poorly understood, and that few consumers use them in dietary planning. The exception was the DV for calories, and this information was even more useful if moved into the main body of the Nutrition Facts panel. Moving the explanation of the DV from a footnote into the panel proper also boosted use of the percentages. And consumers were more likely to trust the data, particularly as it relates to portion size, if a government agency such as the FDA is mentioned in a highly visible spot.
