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Understand and Use Understand and Use Nutrition Claims Nutrition Claims
Understand and Use Understand and Use Nutrition ClaimsNutrition Claims
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Control of Nutrition ClaimsControl of Nutrition Claims Nutrition claim means any representation
which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular nutritional properties.
From 1 July 2010, all nutrition claims must meet certain specified conditions.
Nutrition claims on food labels and advertisements are all regulated.
Nutrition claims include: Nutrient content claim Nutrient comparative claim Nutrient function claim
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Control of Nutrition ClaimsControl of Nutrition Claims
The amount of nutrient involved in a nutrition claim must be declared on the nutrition label.
If a nutrition claim is made in relation to any type of fat, the amount of cholesterol must be declared on the nutrition label as well.
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Nutrient Content Claim– ExampleNutrient Content Claim– Example
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Nutrient Content ClaimNutrient Content Claim It describes the level of a nutrient contained
in a food. E.g. “High calcium”, “Low fat”, “Sugars free”
Overall speaking, nutrient content claims include:
“Free” claim “Very low” claim (for sodium only) “Low” claim “Source” claim “High” claim
Words with similar meaning may be used as well.
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Nutrient Content ClaimNutrient Content Claim
Claim Meaning of Claim Example with conditions
stipulated in law
Free; No; Zero; Without; Does not contain
Insignificant amount of a particular nutrient found in the food.
Fat free (containing not more than 0.5 g of fat per 100 g/mL of food)
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Nutrient Content ClaimNutrient Content Claim
Claim Meaning of Claim
Example with conditions stipulated
in law
Very low; Extremely low; Super low
(for sodium only)
A very small amount of sodium found in the food.
Very low sodium
(containing not more than 40 mg of sodium per 100 g/mL of food)
This category of claim applies to sodium only
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Nutrient Content ClaimNutrient Content Claim
Claim Meaning of Claim
Example with conditions stipulated in law
Low; Little; Low source; Few; Contains a small amount of
A small amount of nutrient found in the food.
Low fat
(containing not more than 3 g of fat per 100 g of solid food; not more than 1.5 g of fat per 100 mL of liquid food)
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Nutrient Content ClaimNutrient Content Claim
Claim Meaning of Claim Example with conditions stipulated in law
Source; Contains; With; Provides; Has
A significant amount of a particular nutrient found in the food.
Source of calcium (containing not less than 120 mg of calcium per 100 g of solid food;
not less than 60 mg of calcium per 100 mL of liquid food)
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Nutrient Content ClaimNutrient Content Claim
Claim Meaning of Claim
Example with conditions stipulated in law
High; Good source; High source; Rich in; Plenty of
A very significant amount of a particular nutrient found in the food.
High calcium (containing not less than 240 mg of calcium per 100 g of solid food; not less than 120 mg of calcium per 100 mL of liquid food)
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Nutrient Comparative Claim - ExampleNutrient Comparative Claim - Example
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Nutrient Comparative ClaimNutrient Comparative Claim
It compares the nutrient levels of two or more same or similar types of food products.
E.g. “Reduced fat - 25% less than the regular product of the same brand”
Wordings with similar meaning may be used.
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Nutrient Comparative ClaimNutrient Comparative Claim
Claim Meaning of Claim Example with conditions stipulated
in law
Less; Reduced; Lower; Fewer; Light
Contains considerably less of a particular nutrient when compared with a similar food.
Reduced in fat
(at least 25% less fat)
Higher; Extra; Added; More; Plus; Increased
Contains considerably more of a particular nutrient when compared with a similar food.
Extra dietary fibre (at least 25% more dietary fibre)
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Nutrient Function Claim - ExampleNutrient Function Claim - Example
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Nutrient Function ClaimNutrient Function Claim
It describes the physiological role of a nutrient in growth, development and normal functions of the body.
It must fulfil several general principles, such as: The claim must be supported by science.
The information about the physiological role of the claimed nutrient must be included in the claim.
Examples of common nutrient function claims: “Calcium builds strong bones”
“Iron is a factor in red blood cell formation”
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Other RepresentationOther Representation
The following would not be considered as a nutrition claim: “No MSG” “With electrolytes” “Unsweetened”/ “less sweet”
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Use Nutrition Claim WiselyUse Nutrition Claim Wisely Nutrition claims appear on the package only
give a rough idea about the content of a particular nutrient; very often nutrition claims are made for a specific nutrient only.
We should not make a food choice solely on the basis of a nutrition claim. In order to eat healthily, we should take note of other nutrients as well. For example, a product with a “low sugars” claim
may have high fat content. The best practice is to refer to the nutrition label
for detailed information.
Nutrition Label and Healthy EatingNutrition Label and Healthy Eating
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Principles of Healthy EatingPrinciples of Healthy Eating Choose a variety of food and eat cereals as
the largest portion of food in every meal. Eat a lot of vegetables and fruit. Reduce the consumption of foodstuffs with
high salt, fat and sugar content as well as those which are preserved.
A daily fluid intake of 6 to 8 glasses (including clear soup, fruit juice and tea).
Take meals regularly and in adequate amounts.
(Source of information: Department of Health)
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Nutrition Labelling is a Useful Tool fNutrition Labelling is a Useful Tool for Practising Healthy Eatingor Practising Healthy Eating
Nutrition label and nutrition claim can help consumers choose healthier food in accordance with healthy eating principles and the Food Pyramid, e.g. Choose biscuits lower in fat and sodium (or
salt) Choose dairy products lower in fat Choose beverages lower in sugars
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Nutrients that Needed to Nutrients that Needed to Limit their IntakeLimit their Intake
Total fat Getting too much affects heart health and increases the risk of overweight and obesity.
60 g*
Saturated fat
20 g*
Trans fat 2.2 g*
* Individual intake amounts may be higher or lower depending on energy requirements.
For a 2000-kcal diet, the daily limit should be:
1 tablespoon of oil provides
about 14 g of fat.
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Nutrients that Needed to Nutrients that Needed to Limit their IntakeLimit their Intake
Sugars Getting too much increases the risk of overweight and obesity.
50 g*
Sodium Getting too much increases the risk of high blood pressure.
2000 mg
1 cube / 1 teaspoon of sugars provides about 5 g of sugars.
1 teaspoon of salt (about 5 g) provides about 2000 mg of sodium.
* Individual intake amounts may be higher or lower depending on energy requirements.
For a 2000-kcal diet, the daily limit should be:
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Nutrients that Needed to Nutrients that Needed to Have Appropriate AmountHave Appropriate Amount
Protein 60 g*
Carbohydrates 300 g*
For a 2000-kcal diet, the daily amount should be around:
* Individual intake amounts may be higher or lower depending on energy requirements.
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Intake of Other NutrientsIntake of Other Nutrients
Dietary fibre Facilitates proper bowel function, lowering of blood cholesterol level and weight management.
25 g
Calcium Promotes bone and teeth health. 800 mg
Vitamin C Prevents scurvy and promotes wound healing.
100 mg
Cholesterol High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for heart diseases.
≤ 300 mg
For an average adult, try to set the daily amount of about:
Use Nutrition Labels to Choose Use Nutrition Labels to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged Food“3 Low” Prepackaged Food
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How to Choose “3 Low” How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged FoodPrepackaged Food
“3 Low”--- Low fat, Low sodium (or Low salt), Low sugars
1. Use nutrition claim as a quick screening tool; and
2. Take three simple steps to read nutrition label, and choose food lower in fat, sodium and sugars
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How to Choose “3 Low” How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged FoodPrepackaged Food
Claim Meaning of Claim
Free; No; Zero; Without;
Does not contain
Insignificant amount of a particular nutrient found in the food
Very low; Extremely low;
Super low
This category of claim applies to sodium only, meaning a very small amount of sodium found in the food
Low; Little; Low source; Few;
Contains a small amount of
A small amount of nutrient found in the food
The words below are considered as synonyms for nutrition claims, they may help you choose food with low/free fat, sodium or sugars:
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How to Choose “3 Low” How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged FoodPrepackaged Food
Three Simple Steps to Read Nutrition LabelStep 1 Take note of the reference amount of food being
used in the nutrition label Step 2 Read and compare the nutritional contentStep 3 Refer to the percentage Nutrient Reference Value
(%NRV) (If available)
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How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged Food How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged Food – Example 1– Example 1
Milk Beverage A
Milk Beverage B
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How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged Food How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged Food – Example 2– Example 2
Corn Flakes C Corn Flakes D
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How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged Food How to Choose “3 Low” Prepackaged Food – Example 3– Example 3
Soup E
Soup F
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