Why are DRI values not used on food labels?

Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) are not used on food labels because the FDA has determined that they are not useful for consumers to make informed decisions about their food choices. The FDA believes that the more simplified and visual representation of the Nutrient Facts panel, which includes serving size, calories, and nutrients per serving, is more effective in helping consumers understand the nutritional value of foods.

The FDA has also expressed concerns that using DRIs on food labels could be misleading, as consumers may not understand how to interpret the values and may make incorrect assumptions about the healthiness of a food based on its DRI content. Additionally, the FDA is concerned about the potential for DRIs to be used by food manufacturers to make health claims that are not supported by scientific evidence.

For these reasons, the FDA has opted not to include DRIs on food labels and has instead focused on providing simplified and visual nutritional information to consumers through the Nutrition Facts panel.