Food and Nutrition Labelling

Question 1

What is the background with food/nutrition labelling?

Answer 1

In June 2001 there were regulatory proposals for labelling. In December 2005, there were four main regulations proposed.

Question 2

What were the four nutrition labelling regulations proposed in 2005?

Answer 2

1. Nutrition label - “Nutrition facts”
2. Nutrient Content Claims
3. Diet-related Health Claims
4. Nutrient Function Claims

Question 3

What are the key features on the Nutrition label?

Answer 3

1. Serving size
2. Percent daily value
3. Mandatory on all packaged foods
4. Standardized format
5. They must have kcals and 13 core nutrients

Question 4

What is the purpose of the percent daily value?

Answer 4

For comparative value, not actual percent needed per day.

Question 5

What are Nutrient Content Claims?

Answer 5

Usually only relevant to businesses because they have to follow them. Ex. Source, high or very good source, very high or excellent source, all have different meanings.

Question 6

Nutrient Content Claims: What does low mean?

Answer 6

Food provides very small amount of the nutrient. Example: fat needs to have less then or equal to 3 g/serving.

Question 7

Nutrient Content Claims: What does free mean?

Answer 7

Food provides so small amount of nutrient, likely will not have any effect on the body.

Question 8

What does “Low” for Saturated fat mean?

Answer 8

Less then or equal to 2 g and 15% of less kcal from saturated and trans fats combines.

Question 9

What does “Free” for trans fats mean?

Answer 9

Less than or equal to 0.2 grams of trans and less than or equal to 2 grams of saturated and trans fats combines.

Question 10

Nutrient Content Claims: What does source mean?

Answer 10

Food provides significant amount of the nutrient.

Question 11

Nutrient Content Claims: What does high source mean?

Answer 11

Food provides at least 4 grams of fibre.

Question 12

Nutrient Content Claims: What does very high source mean?

Answer 12

Food provides very large amount of the nutrient. 6 grams of fibre.

Question 13

Nutrient Content Claims: What does light mean?

Answer 13

Food is modified to contain at least 25% less that of the nutrient the original food.

Question 14

What does a “source” of fibre mean?

Answer 14

Greater than or equal to 2g of fibre.

Question 15

What are the five diet-related health claims that can be on Canadian labels?

Answer 15

Potassium, sodium, and reduced risk of high blood pressure.
Calcium, vitamin D, and regular physical activity, and reduced risk of osteoporosis.
Saturated and trans fats and reduced risk of heart disease.
Vegetables and fruit and reduced risk of some types of cancers.
Plant sterols and lowering cholesterol.