5.1.6

Optional Food Labels

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Optional Information on Food Labels

Food manufacturers often choose to include information on food packaging and labels that's not legally required. This may include:

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Positive claims

  • In line with EU rules, any claims about positive health benefits must not be misleading.
  • Examples include:
    • Free from artificial colours and preservatives.
    • Aids digestion.
    • Low in sugar.
    • High in fibre.
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Traffic-light labelling

  • This gives consumers an idea of how healthy or unhealthy a product is at a quick glance. The colour-coding is based on Reference Intake values.
    • Red indicates high amounts of fat, sugar or salt.
    • Yellow indicates medium amounts of fat, sugar or salt.
    • Green indicates low amounts of fat, sugar or salt.
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Suitability

  • Packaging will often make clear whether or not the product is suitable for certain groups.
    • E.g. vegan-friendly.
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Food origin and packaging information

  • As well as stating where the ingredients have come from, labels may also state where the goods were packaged/processed.
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Serving suggestions

  • E.g. serve with dry white wine.

Jump to other topics

1Food Preparation Skills

2Food, Nutrition & Health

3Food Science

4Food Safety

5Food Choice

6Food Provenance

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