The serving size listed on food labels directly affects the nutritional content of the food. Many Indians consume more than the recommended serving size, which raises the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The serving size listed on the label may not be the same as the portion size that people typically eat. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the serving size and modify the portion size accordingly to ensure that the quantity of nutrients consumed aligns with one’s dietary requirements.

The calorie content indicates the amount of energy provided by a particular food item. Consuming more calories than we require can lead to weight gain, while consuming lower calories can lead to weight loss. In India, the recommended daily calorie intake for an average adult is around 2000-2500 calories per day, but this can vary based on age, gender, weight, and activity level.

Macronutrients refer to the three primary nutrients that our bodies require in large quantities – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Checking the macronutrient content on food labels will help people make more informed decisions about the foods they eat.

The ingredients list provides complete information on the ingredients that are in the product. The ingredient with the highest percentage of the product is mentioned first since ingredients are provided in descending order of weight. Consumers can learn more about the quality of the ingredients used in a food product by reading the ingredients list.

Additives are chemicals added to food items to enhance their texture, flavour, appearance, and shelf life. However, certain additives can have harmful health effects and can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Food additives such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavour enhancers and colourants are commonly found in packaged foods.

Instead, select foods that contains natural ingredients and less processed. Furthermore, people with food allergies should pay attention to the food labels and avoid foods that contain allergens like dairy, wheat, peanuts, or soy.

The statements or claims made on food labels that describe the nutritional content of products are referred to as Nutritional content claims. For example, a product may claim “high in fibre” or “low in fat”. These claims can assist the consumers to make informed decisions about the food they eat. It is necessary to understand the criteria for these claims, as they may differ from product to product and manufacturer to manufacturer.

• Best Before Date: Indicates how long the food item is expected to remain in best quality if stored properly. Usually, it applies to non-perishable goods.
• Use By Date: Indicates the last date by which the product should be used for safety reasons. It is common for perishable food items like meats, dairy, and ready-to-eat.
• Date of Manufacture/Packaging: Indicates when the product was manufactured or packaged. It helps in tracking the freshness and shelf life of a food item.

Instructions on how to store the product to maintain its quality and safety until the specified date.