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- What is the requirement for displaying energy values?
- How are energy values displayed?
- What is the purpose of showing energy values?
What is the requirement for displaying energy values?
The amount of calories (or kilojoules) that a food contains, is a requirement for all food labels.
In Australia, the value is usually displayed in kilojoules, with some manufacturers also displaying the equivalent calorie value. In the USA (and other countries that use imperial measurements), calorie values are shown.
Women, men, seniors and children all have different energy (calorie or kilojoule) requirements depending on their level of activity and age.
How are energy values displayed?
On all nutrition labels, the following energy values are shown:
- quantity of kilojoules/calories per serving
- quantity of kilojoules/calories per 100g
The following is an example showing how energy values are displayed on nutrition labels (highlighted in pink):
What is the purpose of showing energy values?
Displaying energy values on nutrition labels on foods allows consumers to make healthier choices when deciding on a specific food to purchase based on the calorie content. Displaying the calorie value on the food label gives the consumer the knowledge of the calorie content of the food.
High calorie foods are not recommended due to the implications of high calorie intake and obesity. Obesity has several implications in many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
More information
To learn more, see Food Standards Australia - Nutrition Labels .
references
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand - information about the nutrition labels in Australia and New Zealand, accessed 7 January 2007
- US FDA - Understanding Nutrition Labels - detailed information about all nutrition labels in the USA
