Guiding Stars Licensing Co., Scarborough, ME, has received U.S. patent No. 7974881 for its Guiding Stars nutrition rating algorithm. The Guiding Stars algorithm is grounded in evidence-based science and the most current guidelines and recommendations of leading national and international health organizations, such as FDA and USDA. The system credits all edible foods based on the presence of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and whole grains, and debits for the presence of trans fat, saturated fats, cholesterol, added sugars and added sodium. Food items are then awarded zero, one, two or three stars. One star means good nutritional value; two stars, better nutritional value; and three stars, the best nutritional value.