Topic 9: Nutrition Label Reading Flashcards
week 9 (14 cards)
What information must be included in the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP)?
- Energy
- carbohydrate
- sugars
- protein
- fat
- saturated fat, and
- sodium
per serve and per 100g.
When are additional nutrients listed on the NIP?
Only when a nutrient content claim is made on the product.
What are some exemptions from requiring a Nutrition Information Panel?
- Fruits and vegetables
- herbs, spices
- water
- vinegar
- unpackaged foods, and
- small packages ≤100cm².
What is the difference between a nutrient content claim and a health claim?
A nutrient content claim refers to the amount of a nutrient, while a health claim links a food or nutrient to a health effect.
What is a general level health claim?
It refers to the effect of a nutrient on a normal health function (not a serious disease).
What is a high-level health claim?
It links a nutrient or food component to a serious disease or biomarker of disease.
What does the ingredient list show on a food label?
All ingredients in descending order by weight at the time of manufacture.
What is the purpose of front-of-pack labelling?
To provide quick, easy-to-understand nutrition information to help consumers make healthier food choices.
What does %DI (%RDI) on front-of-pack labelling represent?
The proportion of daily intake for an average adult provided by one serve of the product (based on 8700 kJ).
What is the Health Star Rating (HSR) system?
A voluntary front-of-pack system that rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged foods within the same category.
What factors influence a product’s Health Star Rating?
- Energy
- saturated fat
- sugar
- sodium
- dietary fibre
- protein, and
- fruit/vegetable/nut/legume content.
Can HSR be used to compare all food types?
Health Star Rating
No, it is only valid for comparing similar products within the same food category.
What are limitations of the HSR system?
Health Star Rating
It does not account for preservatives, flavours, or colourings, and many healthy foods lack a rating.
Is the HSR meant to replace reading the NIP or ingredients list?
Health Star Rating
No, it should be used as a guide but not as a substitute for full nutrition label reading.
