The Foundation: EU Regulation 1169/2011
Nutrient labelling on prepacked food has been mandatory in the European Union since December 13, 2016. This is governed by Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, also known as the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation. This law aims to protect consumers by standardising food labelling across the EU. A key requirement is the mandatory nutrition declaration, which must include the energy value and the amounts of fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein, and salt. Energy values must be shown in both kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal) per 100g or 100ml, usually in a table format.
The Modified Atwater System Explained
The European calorie calculation method uses a detailed, modified version of the Atwater general factor system. This system assigns specific caloric values to macronutrients based on their average heats of combustion, adjusted for digestion and absorption. The European approach includes factors for additional energy-yielding compounds like polyols and dietary fibre, making it more granular than the basic 4-9-4 system. It focuses on "available carbohydrates," which excludes fibre, and assigns a separate factor to fibre.
Specific Conversion Factors per Macronutrient
Annex XIV of the FIC Regulation specifies energy conversion factors for labelling. The conversion values can be found on {Link: NutriCalc website https://support.nutricalc.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/4404146527889-How-Does-NutriCalc-Calculate-Energy}
Calculation Methods for Food Businesses
Manufacturers have three approved methods under European law to determine the nutritional values for their labels: laboratory analysis; calculation from ingredients; or calculation from accepted databases. Details regarding these methods and specific conversion values can be found on {Link: NutriCalc website https://support.nutricalc.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/4404146527889-How-Does-NutriCalc-Calculate-Energy}
Comparing EU Factors with the General Atwater System
A comparison of the general 4-9-4 Atwater factors and the specific, mandatory European factors, along with details regarding key differences, can be found on {Link: NutriCalc website https://support.nutricalc.co.uk/hc/en-us/articles/4404146527889-How-Does-NutriCalc-Calculate-Energy}
The Importance of Accurate Calorie Information
The stringent approach to calorie calculation in Europe ensures consumers receive reliable information for informed dietary choices. Clear labelling of energy and macronutrients is crucial for individuals managing weight or specific health conditions. For food businesses, adhering to these standards is a legal requirement. While minor variations in declared values (+/- 20%) are accepted due to the natural variability of food, enforcement bodies verify the calculation methods used are appropriate.
The Role of Kilojoules and Kilocalories
European law mandates that food packaging display energy values in both kilojoules (kJ) and kilocalories (kcal). Kilocalories are commonly referred to as "calories," while kilojoules are the international standard unit for energy. The conversion is 1 kcal = 4.184 kJ. Including both units standardises information globally and accommodates consumer familiarity with kcal.
Conclusion: Standardisation for Consumer Clarity
The European method for calculating calories is a highly standardised and detailed process based on Regulation (EU) 1169/2011. By using a modified Atwater system with specific factors for energy-yielding components and requiring both kJ and kcal on labels, the EU ensures consistency and transparency for consumers. This systematic approach allows food businesses to determine nutritional information using approved methods like lab analysis, ingredient calculation, or database use. This results in a robust labelling system that helps consumers make informed food choices across the European market. For more information on EU food safety and labelling, visit the European Commission's food safety portal.
