American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 16, 440-444, Copyright © 1965 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

Dietetic Foods

¹ From the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Boston District, Boston, Massachusetts

Counseling patients about "dietetic foods" today is not a simple task. Labeling requirements protect the consumer to a degree, but full protection is brought about only when he is educated to understand and utilize the information on the label. Assistance by a professional person often is needed. This is true for food used in all diets, but particularly so for those used in modified diets which are a part of the treatment of a disease or condition.

Although most modified diets may be planned largely through the use of regular foods, the judicious use of special dietary foods may offer convenience and variety. Their cost needs consideration since they are frequently more expensive than ordinary foods.

To give effective dietary advice today requires continuous study of the composition of foods and the rules and regulations regarding their labeling. The label is the link between the consumer and the product he buys; he needs to read it carefully and to utilize it wisely.

Foresighted participation through sharing with the Food and Drug Administration your opinions and comments on the Proposed Regulations for Special Dietary Foods will be of ultimate benefit to patients.