Med Mark — Criteria

Products bearing the Med Mark represent the core foods and drinks of the Mediterranean Diet –- foods and drinks that have traditionally been eaten every day, or even every meal, over centuries.

All foods and drinks included in the DAILY section of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid (and also fish) are eligible for the Med Mark as long as they are sold in their minimally-processed state, consistent with their traditional form. Other healthy foods that may not have existed years ago may also be eligible if they meet the criteria described in the chart and health thresholds below:

* Health Thresholds

To be eligible to use the Med Mark, processed foods (products not sold in their natural, minimally-processed state) must be within all of the following limits (per serving):

Added artificial trans fats: limit of zero grams (no added trans fats in any amount)
Saturated fat: limit of 8 percent of total calories from saturated fat [Reference: Ancel Keys, Seven Countries Studies]
Sodium: limit of 480 milligrams (for individual food) or 600 milligrams of sodium (for meal-type products) [Reference: FDA]
Added sugars: limit of 4 grams (or about 1 teaspoon)