A food label should contain essential information to help consumers make informed choices about the food they are eating. This includes details about energy content and key nutrients.
Here's a breakdown of the mandatory and often included information on a food label:
Mandatory Information
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Energy Content: The label must display the amount of energy the food provides, expressed in both kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal). Kilocalories are more commonly referred to as calories.
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Fat: The total amount of fat in the food.
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Saturates: The amount of saturated fat (also known as saturated fatty acids).
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Carbohydrate: The total amount of carbohydrates.
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Sugars: The amount of sugars present in the food.
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Protein: The total amount of protein.
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Salt: The amount of salt (sodium chloride). Sometimes listed as sodium, which needs to be converted to salt content (salt = sodium x 2.5).
Often Included Information
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Fibre: The amount of dietary fibre present.
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Other Nutrients: Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients may also be included, depending on the food product and relevant regulations.
Table Summary
| Nutrient | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Energy | kJ and kcal (calories) |
| Fat | Total fat content |
| Saturated Fat | Amount of saturated fat |
| Carbohydrate | Total carbohydrate content |
| Sugars | Amount of sugars |
| Protein | Total protein content |
| Salt | Total salt content (or sodium content) |
| Fibre (Optional) | Amount of dietary fibre |
| Other Nutrients (Optional) | Vitamins, minerals, etc. |
Food labels are a crucial tool for consumers, allowing them to compare products and make healthier dietary choices. By understanding the information presented on a food label, individuals can effectively manage their intake of key nutrients and energy.
