Optional Food Labels
Food Preparation & Nutrition: AQA GCSE, topic 5.1.6
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:
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.
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.
Suitability
- Packaging will often make clear whether or not the product is suitable for certain groups.
- E.g. vegan-friendly.
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.
Serving suggestions
- E.g. serve with dry white wine.
Test yourself on Optional Food Labels
What's the colour-coding for traffic light labelling based on?