For a food label to supply a health claim what must be true beyond the established link between the nutrient and a disease or condition?

• A. It must be considered a good source of the nutrient and contain less than 13 g of total fat.
• B. It must have at least 10% more of the nutrient than comparable foods.
• C. It must have at least 20% of the daily value for a given nutrient.
• D. The claim must be agreed upon by the FDA and USDA.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. A health claim on a food label is a statement that links a nutrient or food component to a reduced risk of a disease or health-related condition. These claims are regulated by government agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
2. Step 2: Identify the requirements for a health claim. Beyond the established link between the nutrient and a disease or condition, the food must meet specific criteria to ensure it is a healthy choice overall. This includes being a good source of the nutrient and meeting limits on certain components like fat.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided. Each option describes a potential requirement for a health claim. Evaluate each one based on the regulatory guidelines for health claims, such as nutrient content and agreement by regulatory bodies.
4. Step 4: Recall the specific nutrient content requirements. For example, a food must typically provide at least 10% or 20% of the daily value (DV) for a nutrient to be considered a good source. Additionally, it must not exceed certain thresholds for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, or sodium.
5. Step 5: Consider the role of regulatory approval. Health claims must be scientifically substantiated and agreed upon by the FDA and USDA to ensure they are not misleading to consumers. This ensures the claim is credible and based on evidence.