Supplement labels

The Supplement Facts panel format is similar to the Nutrition Facts panel on processed food labels and contains: * Manufacturer's suggested serving size, * Information on nutrients when they are present in significant levels (vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, and sodium) and the percent Daily Value where established, and * All other dietary ingredients present in the product, including botanicals and amino acids. Herbal products will be identified by the common or usual name of the plant and the part used to make the supplement. A statement of identity must appear on the label's front panel and must state "dietary supplement" or a term identifying the contents of the product, such as "herbal supplement." "With this innovative label, consumers will have the information they need to make informed choices across the entire spectrum of dietary supplements," said FDA Commissioner Dr. Jane E. Henney. Labels printed after March 23, 1999 must contain this new wording, but products already labeled prior to that date can continue to be sold until old label stocks are depleted.