criteria used when assessing food information and products

source

where does the information come from
author and their qualifications

purpose

what is the aim or message in the information

context

what is the reason for the provision of information and date of publication

presentation of evidence

is it scientific/objective/reliable evidence based
—> has the data been tested

language used

is the language professional and scientific
—> emotive or persuasive

commercial gain

who is making a profit and will someone  gain from the product

ethics

is it morally right
is the truth being told

effectiveness of the product

showing credible evidence that the product will work

tactics used by weight loss and nutrient supplement companies

images of successful participants
exaggeration of facts
using scientific jargon
using fear factor or talking in a negative way about other food

assessing validity of product claims

is it based on the 5 food groups and has an exercise plan to support it

is it based on scientific evidence
is it a restrictive diet (what is being excluded)
are there long term health outcomes
does it sound too good to be true 
how much does it cost