Physical Examination on Food Labeling by the Students of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department
Due to the importance of food labeling as the primary communication between food sellers and consumers, and the useful information in labels for consumer, a practical session was conducted by the students of the third level on 21st of April 2021 under the supervision of the head of the Department Dr. Salih Mustafa Salih.
In this practical application, several local and imported food items were purchased in the local supermarkets and examined by the students to check if they are complying with food labeling regulations. Students were taught what must be written on Food labels according to the local and international standards, and what are current food standards labeling issues.
The new food labeling system that is called Traffic Light Labelling was also discussed. The Food Standard Agency (FSA) in United Kingdom develops the system that can be applied as an easier way for food labeling. The system rely on the three colors in traffic light and links them to the amount of food ingredients for each of the sugar, fats and salts in each food. For example, Green colour mean healthy food with low amount in sugar, fat, and salt, while red is unhealthy and high in sugar, fat and salt.
This system is applying in the United Kingdom and some other European Countries as an optional choice for food companies it is not a compulsory requirement.
