Food labelling & claims

Background Information

EUFIC Forum n° 2 - Consumer attitudes to nutrition information & food labelling

Desk research carried out by EUFIC in 2003 revealed that a certain amount of consumer research is already available concerning consumer understanding of the nutrition label content and format (both current format as well as tested alternatives). But this exercise also identified significant gaps.

EUFIC Forum n° 3 - An energy-based approach to nutrition information on food labels

This EUFIC research provides some good insight in what works or does not work in nutrition labelling. It has laid out some interesting directions that appear to work for a wide range of consumers in various countries and offers very promising prospects for further development.

EUFIC Forum n° 4 - Pan-European consumer research on in-store observation, understanding & use of nutrition information on food labels, combined with assessing nutrition knowledge

Nutrition labelling is regarded as a useful tool to help consumers make healthier choices. For this reason, nutrition information, normally found on the back of food packages, has begun to appear on the front of food packages. Various front-of-pack nutrition labelling schemes have emerged as governments, food manufacturers and retailers, and health and consumer organisations strive to find a label design that is the most effective. However, little is ...

EUFIC Forum n° 5 - Consumer response to portion information on food and drink packaging - A pan-European study

In a climate of overweight and obesity, the amount consumers eat or drink is just as important as what is eaten. Nutrition information on food labels is regarded as a major means for encouraging consumers to make healthier choices when shopping for food. But it is not only what people eat that is important, it is how much of a given food they eat.Current legislation requires nutrition information to be provided on pack per 100 grams or 100 millilitres. ...

Science Briefs

Labelling foods as 'low in salt’ may not reduce actual salt intakes

EUFIC reviews European consumers’ responses to health claims

Characterising the nutritional value of foods, using nutrient profiling

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Podcasts

Consumer perception of nutrition and health claims 01/03/2010

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FAQ

When on labels "no additives or artificial colouring" is written, is this true or are there certain concentrations?

What is the difference between "light", "reduced" & "low" fat in food?

Are organic products allowed to include "k.b.a." on their labels?

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Food Today

Nutrition information on food labels – is it read and understood?

Nutrition labelling becomes more and more widespread on food packages in Europe. But do consumers really notice these labels and do they understand them? Most critically, are they able to use such nutrition information to make healthier choices when shopping?

Nutrition labelling – how, where and why?

In a bid to curb the spread of diet-related diseases, governments and food companies increasingly promote nutrition labelling to help the consumer make healthy, informed food choices. The EU-funded project FLABEL (Food Labelling to Advance Better Education for Life) will assess the state of play and develop best practice guidelines for future research and policies.

Food labelling and nutrition and health claims

Nowadays more food labels contain nutrition and health information that gives us useful knowledge about the food we buy. It can help us to understand the contribution different foods make to our health and well-being and to choose a more balanced diet.

Making sense of Guideline Daily Amounts

You may have noticed the term Guideline Daily Amounts or GDAs mentioned on food labels, but what does it mean? Guideline Daily Amounts are a guide to the total amount of energy and nutrients that a typical healthy adult should be eating in a day.

Understanding ingredients

Consumers like to know what is in their food. They may wish to avoid certain ingredients for a variety of reasons. In Europe, nearly all pre-packaged food must be labelled according to EU law. However, the ingredient labelling terminology may not always be clear to the consumer and for some consumers interpretation of the labelled ingredients is a problem.

An energy-based approach to nutrition labelling

The nutrition label is an important vehicle through which food manufacturers can communicate essential information about the nutritional value and composition of their product. Potentially, this represents a valuable tool to help consumers make informed decisions about their diet and lifestyle. However, it appears that nutrition labels are not always effective in getting the message across.

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