Category: Food labelling

Since January 2012, UK food manufacturers and caterers have been required by law to adhere to a specific gluten-free threshold. This standard dictates that a product can only be labelled 'gluten-free' if it contains 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten or less, a limit set to protect the health of individuals with coeliac disease.

According to Coeliac UK, a recent survey revealed that members actively seek out the Crossed Grain symbol for reassurance. This trademark helps consumers quickly identify safe foods, clarifying what symbol is used in the UK to show something is gluten-free.

The 'D' symbol appearing on food packaging is not a random mark but a significant certification, most commonly indicating a product is kosher dairy. It is a vital piece of information for millions of consumers following kosher diets, providing clarity on a product's ingredients and manufacturing process.

According to the NHS, an average woman needs 2,000kcal a day and an average man needs 2,500kcal to maintain their weight. Understanding how to read calories on food labels in the UK is an essential skill for managing your daily intake and making informed dietary choices.

According to the British Dietetic Association, whole milk is typically indicated by a blue top in the UK, while semi-skimmed is green. However, this color-coding is not universal, and the term "dark blue top milk" can mean different fat contents depending on the country or brand. This lack of standardization is a common source of confusion for consumers everywhere.

According to the NHS, a food product can be labelled "low fat" if it contains 3g of fat or less per 100g. Understanding this standard is crucial for anyone trying to make informed, healthier food choices when navigating the supermarket aisles and deciphering nutrition labels. This official guideline provides a clear benchmark, but it's essential to look beyond the headline claim to understand the full nutritional picture.

According to the FDA, nine major food allergens account for over 90% of food allergies in the U.S., making it critical to understand what are the allergens for labelling to ensure consumer safety. For individuals with food allergies, accurate and clear labelling is not just a convenience, but a life-saving necessity.

According to the Food Standards Agency, 'Best before' dates refer to food quality, not safety. Understanding the rules for Best before dates is crucial for preventing unnecessary food waste while ensuring the food you consume is still high-quality and safe to eat.

According to a 2024 survey, 83% of New Zealand shoppers use Health Star Ratings at least some of the time, yet many remain unsure of their exact meaning and limitations. A 5-star rating indicates a packaged product is a healthier choice compared to similar items, but understanding how this score is calculated is key to making truly informed decisions.

Scientific studies show that Nutri-Score is one of the most effective and easily understandable forms of nutritional labelling for consumers. This front-of-pack system uses a simple colour and letter scale to signal the overall nutritional quality of a food product.