What exactly does this mean on a nutritional label?

distinctlybeautiful

I bought some cashews the other day that say the sodium content per serving is "<0.10g," which I know means "less than 100mg," but do any of y'all know what the actual amount this indicates?

What I'm getting at is if there's a certain threshold that allows the company to list it that way or if it's just any amount under 100mg. Thanks!

TavistockToad

you're right, its just 'less than' it doesn't give an actual amount

crackpotbaby

Perhaps there is such great variance within the pack per serving size it's impossible to put a specific figure.

jemhh

You may find help in the FDA rounding rules:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/LabelingNutrition/ucm064932.htm

livingleanlivingclean

Are they salted cashews? Perhaps it depends how much sticks to the nuts and how much is left in the bottom of the bag.

distinctlybeautiful

@lizery that's an interesting idea!
@jemhh I'm outside the states.
@livingleanlivingclean they're unsalted.

CyberTone

Plants take up nutrients from the soil. Soils vary from location to location, so the naturally occurring sodium content of nuts vary accordingly. Manufacturers test batches of packaged items to determine average nutrient content and usually minimum and maximum levels.

The manufacturer most likely has tested the product and determined that a maximum sodium content inherent in the varying batches of nuts are as stated.