Food label information includes information such as nutritional values of the food (carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin and mineral amounts), information about the manufacturer and production permits, list of ingredients of the food and portion size or weight. If the food has a potential health effect (low fat, light, probiotic products, etc.), it is included on the label in the section where these effects are explained.
Nutritional Labels
· During the selection of food, the consumer should be informed about the food. /> · Regulations made on the nutrition label should prevent false and misleading information on the label.
In a package: Food name, net amount, ingredients, name of the producer and packager company, registered trademark and address, expiration date, batch. and/or serial number, production permit date and number, registration number or import control certificate date and number, country of origin, usage information when necessary and/or storage conditions, alcohol amount in beverages containing more than 1.2% alcohol by volume.
Language of Labels
Explanations of some terms you may encounter on food labels:
Lean meat: Every 90 grams of meat
Extra lean meat: It means that it contains less than 5 grams of total fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol for every 90 grams of meat.
Reduced …. : You may come across sentences such as “reduced energy” on some foods. These foods contain 25% less energy, fat or cholesterol than similar and normally produced foods.
Light… : 30% less energy or 50% more than their counterparts. It contains low fat.
Enriched… : It indicates that various nutrients are added to the food during production in order to protect health. For example, some products such as fruit juices enriched with vitamin C and iodized salt are fortified products.
Fresh frozen… : These types of foods are foods that are quickly frozen while fresh.
Homogenized milk: Fat is removed from milk. It is an expression that explains that milk has a smooth and clear structure as a result of separation.
Pasteurized …: All bacteria that can harm the body in foods such as milk and eggs are destroyed by heating them at high temperatures for a short time and cooling them rapidly.
UHT …: It is the expression stating that all microorganisms in the food are killed at high temperatures. Such products can be kept unopened for 3 months under room conditions. However, it must be stored in the refrigerator after opening.
Contains – does not contain phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is an amino acid that cannot be metabolized in phenyltonuria patients. Therefore, they should not be consumed by phenylketonuria patients. This information contained in the products aims to inform phenylketonuria patients.
Contains or does not contain Aspartame: Aspartame forms phenylalanine when broken down in the body. Therefore, patients with Phenylketonuria should not use aspartame. This information contained in the products aims to inform phenylketonuria patients.
Contains – does not contain gluten: Gluten is a type of protein structure that damages the intestines of celiac patients. For this reason, celiac patients should not use any products containing gluten. This information contained in the products aims to inform celiac patients.
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