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Reading Food Labels

Does food labelling actually work?

(2 of 2 pages)

Food Label People have always known that pizza and cakes are unhealthy, and yet have always eaten them anyway, so it could be argued that food labelling will not change that. However, the scheme highlights exactly how unhealthy certain products are, and informs the consumer about what exactly they are putting into their bodies. This forces the consumer to take responsibility for their diet because ignorance about nutrition is no longer an excuse.

Also, food labelling allows consumers to search quickly for a healthier option of a certain product, even if that product is a pizza or bag of crisps. This in turn will encourage manufacturers to cut down on the amount of salt, sugar and fat they put in their food, because health wise, a product a mainly red food label will be less attractive than one with a green label. Research indicates that in Sainsbury's there has marked change in people's buying patterns away from foods with red labels on them.

So should I only be buying food with green labels?

As always, moderation is the key and a balanced diet is essential for a healthy lifestyle. A red label on a food should be a warning not to over-indulge, rather than a stay-clear sign. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself from time to time by enjoying red-label products. But when out shopping try to buy more foods with green and amber labels to be sure that you are making a healthier choice.

A useful guide to remember

SATURATES

High = more than 5g saturates per 100g

Low = 1.5g saturates or less per 100g

SUGARS

High = more than 15g sugars per 100g

Low = 5g sugars or less per 100g

SALT

High = more than 1.5g salt per 100g (or 0.6g sodium)

Low = 0.3g salt or less per 100g (or 0.1g sodium)

TAGFL

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