Learning to read food labels is an important skill in understanding what makes up a healthy diet. By reading food labels you can make informed decisions about the foods you are buying and eating. In the UK, food labels are regulated by the Food Standards Agency and contain a wealth of information about the nutritional content of the product.
Nutrition Information – At the top of most food labels is an area for nutrition information, which provides an overview of the main nutritional components of a product per portion or per 100 grams. This includes energy (calories), fats, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, proteins and salt.
Ingredients List – Below this is usually an ingredients list which tells you what ingredients are used in making that product, with the main ingredient listed first followed by other ingredients in descending order by weight. Be aware that some food manufacturers may use different terms for similar ingredients or hide unhealthy ingredients within complex names.
Allergy Advice – This section is important if you have allergies or intolerances to certain foods; it will tell you if a product contains common allergens such as wheat, dairy or nuts. If it does contain any allergens they must be clearly highlighted within the ingredients list in bold text.
Storage Instructions – Storage instructions are also important and tell you how to store a product so it stays fresh until its expiration date. The information may include things like: “Keep refrigerated” or “Store in cool dry place” etc.
Use By Date – The use-by date tells you when a product should be eaten by for safety reasons, after this date it shouldn’t be consumed as bacteria may start to grow on it which could cause illness if eaten.
Conclusion: By reading food labels carefully and understanding what each section means you can make informed decisions about what goes into your body. Taking time to read labels helps create healthier habits and can help prevent illnesses related to unhealthy eating habits such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
10 Related Question Answers Found
How Do You Read a Healthy Food Label? Reading a food label is an important part of making healthy food choices. Knowing what’s in your food can help you to make informed decisions about what you eat.
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What is a healthy food label? A healthy food label is a way to let consumers know what they are consuming. The labeling helps consumers make better decisions about the foods they are buying and eating.
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