How Information about Food is available to the Consumer

Food Labelling Information

Food labels offer key information about the product inside the package. They need to, by law, display certain information, and it’s important to understand how to read and interpret them.
Ingredients: The ingredients list, often found on the back of the packaging, is displayed in descending order by weight. The largest quantity ingredient comes first.
Allergens: Any allergen information is highlighted or written in bold on the food label. This is a vital tool for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
Nutritional Information: The nutritional information provides detail on the amount of energy (calories), and nutrients like fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein and salt present in a set serving or 100g of the food product.
Use-by dates, best before dates, and display until dates. The ‘use-by’ date signifies the safety of the food, while ‘best before’ indicates the quality of the food may deteriorate after this date.

Food Advertisements

Advertisements are an important source of information on new food products, their benefits, offers, and more.
However, advertisers often use persuasive techniques such as repetition, expert opinion, emotional appeal etc. hence, always verify the information independently.

Online Information and Reviews

The internet provides vast sources of information on food, including recipes, diet plans, nutritional facts, and food substitutes.
Reviews and ratings on food products or recipes can offer insight into the product’s quality, taste, and popularity.
However, be aware of fake reviews or unverified information. Always cross-check key facts or consume information from trusted sources.

Food Apps and Smart Devices

Modern technology has presented us with smart devices and food apps that provide real-time nutritional information, diet plans, food tracking, and more.
Some apps also provide the option to scan barcodes on food products to get the full nutritional profile.
These tools can be extremely helpful for mindful and healthier food consumption.

In conclusion, various sources of food information are readily available to the consumer. However, it is important to know how to correctly interpret the information and apply it. This will make smart food decisions, ensuring a balanced diet and safe food consumption.