Food labelling is now so detailed it has become misleading to consumers, because of this it is contributing in the rise of the obesity crisis …show more content…
The food label will tell you if the food contains an additive that you may want to avoid. The nutrition information panel helps you to compare the nutrient profile of similar products and choose the one that suits your needs.Food labels carry information that will help you to make good food choices. Labels will list ingredients including any additives, as well as nutrition information such as fat and protein content. Foods that have a shelf life of less than two years must carry a 'use-by' or 'best before' date. Food labels can help people with food allergies, and may also help individuals make informed nutrition choice (Better Health Channel).
Food labels must follow strict requirements FSANZ is in charge of the food labelling in Australia. FSANZ sets food labelling standards in the Food Standards Code. These standards are enforced by the Australian states and territories and, in New Zealand, by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The Food Standards Code includes general labelling and information requirements that are relevant to all foods and sets out which requirements apply in different situations. The Code also includes specific labelling and information requirements that apply to certain food products only …show more content…
The country of origin and Date marking and a way of identifying the production lot. An ingredients list including the percentages of key ingredients. A nutrition information panel. Quantity information, including net weight and serve size. Directions on how to store the food in order to remain safe. All the information needed on a label has to be in English, distinct, easy to read, prominent, with colours that contrast with the background, and appropriately placed. Health Star Ratings and nutrition content claims, while both voluntary, are also key features on food labels (Clemons and Day).
Labels give you information that can help you decide what to choose as part of an overall healthy eating plan. For example, it may be OK to eat a sugary cereal if you make up for it by not eating much sugary stuff for the rest of the day. Checking the labels on foods can alert you when a food is high in something like sugar so you can be prepared to make tradeoffs.Food labels provide more than just nutrition facts, though. They also tell you what's in a packaged food. Some food labels also state which country the food came from, whether the food is organic, and certain health claims