Reading between the labels

What do you check first while buying a product from a supermarket?

The manufacturer.

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The manufacturing date.

The expiry date.

We are now at a time when “Premium Quality,” “Organic,” “Fortified,” “Safe,” and “Certified” , these have become the buzz words of grocery shopping. And standing in the aisle you need to check more than just the dates and the manufacturer. Why? Because it is no longer only a manufacturer’s duty to abide by the safety rules, they are doing it by labeling the product, but also, a conscious consumer you also need to understand the symbols and find out whether these are the standrads of food safety you want to follow. It is about making a more aware decision about your food choices.

LOOK THROUGH THE NUTRITION PANEL

A product may be certified, but that does not certify its health benefits. This is where the Nutrition Facts panel becomes important. Many breakfast cereals marketed as healthy can contain significant amounts of sugar. Instant noodles may carry high sodium levels. Fruit-flavoured drinks can sometimes contain surprisingly little fruit but plenty of added sweeteners. So better check the facts than follow the claims.

A SMARTER SHOPPING HABIT

Food labels are not just technical details for regulators or manufacturers. They are practical tools for consumers. By looking beyond flashy packaging and marketing slogans, shoppers can make better decisions about the products they bring home. Know your labels right and take a moment to scan the symbols and make an informed decision.