1: label

1

Nutrition Overview

Human nutrition:
How the body obtains, uses and processes nutrients to maintain health at all levels (cells → whole body).

Essential nutrient:
Nutrient required for normal function that the body cannot synthesize.

Nutrient Categories

  • Macronutrients: Carbs, protein, lipids, alcohol

  • Micronutrients: Vitamins (fat/water soluble), minerals

  • Other: Water, probiotics, etc.

Food Labelling

What is food information?

Information provided to consumers about food—via labels, technology, verbal communication, etc.

Key purpose:
Help consumers make informed, accurate choices.
Main rule: Labels must not mislead.

Why labels matter

  • Compare foods (e.g., lower salt, lower sugar)

  • Make diet trade-offs

  • Help choose nutrient-rich foods (e.g., calcium for bone health)

Mandatory Label Information

  1. Name of product

  2. Ingredients list (in descending weight)

  3. Quantity of key ingredients

  4. Net quantity

  5. Instructions for use (if needed)

  6. Use-by / best-before date

  7. Storage conditions

  8. Manufacturer/packer/seller address

  9. Place of origin (if omission misleads)

  10. Allergens (must be highlighted e.g., bold)

  11. Nutrition information

  12. Alcohol % for drinks >1.2%

Other optional info:
Organic, Fair Trade, wholegrains, traffic-light labels.

Food Information Regulation (FIC)

  • Introduced: 13 Dec 2014

  • Mandatory nutrition declarations on prepacked foods since 13 Dec 2016

Reference Intakes (Adults)

Used for front-of-pack labelling.

Nutrient

RI

Energy

8400kJ / 2000 kcal

Total fat

70 g

Saturated fat

20 g

Carbohydrates

260 g

Sugars

90 g

Protein

50 g

Salt

6 g

Nutrition Label Presentation Rules

  • Same field of vision

  • Clear, legible, easy to see

  • Minimum font height 1.2 mm

  • Tabular format with aligned numbers

Nutrition & Health Claims

Nutrition Claim

Claims a food has certain nutritional properties (nutrient present/absent).
Example: “Orange juice contains vitamin C.”
→ Straightforward, factual.

Health Claim

Links food or nutrient to health outcomes.
Example: “Guinness is good for you.” (not allowed today)

Claims must NOT:

  • Mislead

  • Suggest other foods are inadequate

  • Encourage excessive consumption

  • Suggest diet alone can’t meet needs

  • Cause fear

  • Claim to prevent/treat/cure disease