The National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), recently co-hosted a training workshop on the "Management Standard for Food Nutrition Labeling" with the Chinese Nutrition Society in Hangzhou. Experts provided explanations and interpretations of the "Management Standard for Food Nutrition Labeling" that was previously issued—
Why promote the use of food nutrition labels?
Using food nutrition labels helps consumers understand the nutritional composition and characteristics of food, guides them to make healthy choices and consumption, protects their right to know, and promotes the healthy development of food production companies. For example, when consumers buy food and see the energy marked as 1000 kcal and the nutrients accounting for 50% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV), they might think that eating this bread would take up half of their daily intake, with two more meals to go, so they decide not to buy it. Another example is a hamburger; by comparing the stated energy, protein, and fat content, consumers can make a choice based on the levels of protein and fat. This shows that nutrition labels can guide consumers' food choices. Food nutrition labels will first be promoted in 8 cities, including Shanghai, Tianjin, and Hangzhou. Some food products (such as Dove products) will also fully use nutrition labels.
Forms of food nutrition labels
Form 1: Nutrition Information Table First, the table must list the content values of four core nutrients—energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium—per 100 grams or milliliters of the food, while also indicating their percentage of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). Other nutrients include saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, cholesterol, sugar, dietary fiber, calcium, 13 vitamins, and 12 minerals. Form 2: Nutrient Claims These are claims like "high-calcium biscuits" or "low-fat milk." Form 3: Function Claims These are claims describing the function of a certain nutrient, for example.
How to read food nutrition labels?
When reading a nutrition label, first look at the energy and core nutrients, as well as any nutrient claims. Examine the content of the nutrients—that is, the numerical value and the unit of measurement, as well as the corresponding percentage of the energy or nutrient relative to the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). Finally, choose foods that are suitable for your own physical condition.