Family Encyclopedia >> Food

Finally, understand food labels!

In theory.

"Without salt", is it really without salt? Yes. Example:a product must contain less than 0.005g of sodium per 100g to be entitled to bear the mention "sodium-free", less than 0.04g of sodium per 100g if it is said to be "very low in sodium". and less than 0.12g of sodium per 100g for " low in sodium ". Ditto for the rest:the indications on the packaging are increasingly regulated and controlled by the European Commission. The mentions " low fat content ", " protein source ", " low energy value "… must therefore meet very specific standards.

In practice.

The problem is that European regulations are being applied. In other words, for the moment all the promises made to us are not 100% reliable. Except that, for a big brand, putting forward a false benefit is very risky in terms of image. Normally, at the end of 2012, we can really take the promises made by the products seriously and buy them almost with our eyes closed!

What if there is nothing written?

That doesn't mean the product isn't good. Example:the package of Wholemeal Krisprolls Buns, which makes no promise on the packaging, contains 9g of fiber per 100g; while the Grillettines de Brioche Pasquier, which advertise " rich in fiber " only contain 8.5g per 100g.