UNIT 2 PLANNING A HEALTHY DIET

 There are 3 sections of info on food label

o Nutrition facts table
o Ingredient List: listed in descending order of predominance by weight
 Greatest to least
o Claims- nutrient and diet-related health

FOOD LABELS: NUTRITION FACTS

 Serving size
o Common household
measures and metric
measures
o Within a specified
range for similar
products
 Companies choose
o Can also compare to total
quantity
 Nutrition facts table must present
info in 2 ways
o Absolute quantities (grams)
o % of standards (Daily
Values)
 A food label must include the 13
facts on the right AT MINIMUM
FOOD LABELS: THE DAILY VALUES
 You can compare between 2 different foods that may contain “a
little” or “a lot” of a nutrient
o It is easier when using % Daily Values
 5% is a little
 15% is a lot

FOOD LABELS: NUTRIENT CLAIMS

 Must meet criteria for specific claims defined by Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations
 EX:
o “cholesterol-free”
o “good source of fibre”
o Proteins- helps build strong muscles
o Vitamin A- supports healthy skin
 List of acceptable nutrient claims:
o https://www.inspection.gc.ca/food-label-requirements/labelling/industry/health-
claims/eng/1392834838383/1392834887794?chap=9#s16c9
o Page 55 of textbook

FOOD LABELS: HEALTH CLAIMS

 Classified into 3 groups
o Disease risk reduction claims
 “A healthy diet low in saturated trans fat may reduce risk of heart disease”
 o Function claims
 “Vitamin E is a dietary antioxidant”
o General health claims
 “Make at least half your grain products whole grains”
 https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-labelling/health-
claims.html
o or page 56 of textbook

FOOD LABELS: OTHER

 Best before date
o Anticipated amount of time an unopened food product keeps its freshness, taste,
nutritional value or any other quantities claimed by the company, when stored
properly
o The best before date is no longer valid once opened
 Expiry Date
o Must be consumed before that date or discarded after the expiry date