Eduqas GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition: Student Book

REFERENCE INTAKES The term ‘Reference Rntakes’ (or RIs) has replaced ‘guideline daily amounts’ (GDAs), which used to appear on food labels. Unless the label says otherwise, RI values are based on an average-sized woman doing an average amount of physical activity. The values are maximum amounts. They are not individual recommendations and your needs may be different to the RI, depending on your age, gender and how physically active you are. These are useful guidelines based on the approximate amount of nutrients and energy you need for a healthy, balanced diet each day. NUTRITION LABELLING Nutritional information on the label can help you make healthier eating choices. Since 2014 there have been new European regulations on food labeling, controlling all the information on food labels from nutrition labelling and the ingredients list, to the size of the writing used. What do nutrition labels on food include now? Energy is provided per 100g and per portion, and as kJ and kcal GDAs have been replaced by Reference Intakes (RIs) % RI is used for fat, saturates, sugars and salt The order of nutrients on the back of pack has changed In the UK on the front of packs, colour coding and high/medium/low labelling is used for fat, saturates, sugars and salt (but not energy) Energy or nutrient Reference Intake ENERGY 8400kJ / 2000kcal TOTAL FAT 70g SATURATES 20g CARBOHYDRATES 260g SUGARS 90g PROTEIN 50g SALT 6g The RI for total sugars includes sugars from milk and sugars contained in fruit, as well as added sugar. This information can be expressed as a percentage of the Reference intake for that nutrient. Percentage Reference Intakes (%RIs) can be given: USING THE ℮ MARK Putting the ℮ mark on labels allows food companies to export their products to other European Economic Area (EEA) countries without having to meet the weights and measures requirements of those countries. by weight (per 100g) by volume (per 100ml) and/or by portion If the percentage RIs are provided on a ‘per 100g/ml’ basis, food manufacturers have to include the statement ‘Reference intake of an average adult (8400kJ/2000kcal)’ REFERENCE INTAKES FOR ENERGY AND SELECTED NUTRIENTS (ADULTS) SECTION 1 Factors affecting food choice 147 1 List 5 pieces of information that must be included on a food label. 2 Why do companies often include nutritional information on labelling even though it is not compulsory? 3 Evaluate the importance of information given on food labelling. Activities