Navigating the labyrinth of packaged food products is a daunting task, particularly when you're bombarded with information on food labels. Understanding these labels, or more specifically, nutrition labels on food, is crucial to make informed food choices. That's where TruthIn, our pioneering AI-based product scanner app, becomes your ultimate guide. It deciphers food nutrition charts on packaged food items, offering personalised nutritional insights, enabling you to enhance your health journey.
Decoding Nutrition Labels in India
Interpreting nutrition labels can often feel like deciphering a cryptic language. These labels contain crucial information like ingredients, nutritional facts indicating the nutritional value of the food item, food additives, allergen warnings, and FSSAI certifications, all of which are essential for making healthier choices.
FSSAI Guidelines for Nutrition Labels
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the principal body responsible for safeguarding public health through regulations on food safety. FSSAI mandates that nutrition labels on packaged food products must contain precise information regarding the product's ingredients, nutritional value, allergens, and expiration date.
Global Food Label Regulations
In comparison with global standards, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) advocate similar stringent guidelines for food labelling. They emphasise on transparent, easy-to-understand healthy food labels for consumers.
Nutrition Facts and Nutritional Value
Nutrition facts form the heart of a food nutrition chart, showcasing the key nutrients present in the food item, such as calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and sugars. These quantities are usually mentioned per serving and not for the whole package, helping you gauge the nutritional value of your food.
Ingredients List and Food Additives
FSSAI regulations mandate that nutrition labels on packaged food items should clearly display all ingredients used, listed in descending order of their weight. This level of transparency helps you identify unhealthy or unwanted ingredients like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or trans fats.
Allergen Information
FSSAI also requires manufacturers to declare the presence of common allergens in their packaged food items. This information is vital for individuals with food allergies or intolerances.
Shelf Life
The 'best before' or 'use by' date is another essential component of a food label. It gives you an idea of the product's freshness and safety.
TruthIn, our cutting-edge AI product scanner app, simplifies the process of understanding food nutrition charts on packaged food items, offering personalised nutritional insights about what you're consuming.
Conclusion
Decoding nutrition labels on packaged food products need not be a challenge. With TruthIn and the knowledge of FSSAI regulations, you can confidently navigate the supermarket aisles, making food choices that align with your dietary needs and health goals. Remember, making healthier choices begins with understanding what's on your plate, or in this case, what's in the package. So, start reading those healthy food labels today!