Ukrainians are increasingly interested in healthy eating, and manufacturers are actively using attractive labels on products: “sugar-free,” “low-fat,” “calorie-free.” However, not all such statements mean what we imagine. By law, they can only be used under strict conditions, and the State Service for the Protection of Food and Consumer Rights reminds us how to properly understand popular labels.
Calorie-free product
A product can be called “calorie-free” if it contains no more than 4 kcal per 100 ml. For sweeteners, no more than 0.4 kcal per serving.
No added sugar
This mark means that no sugar or sweeteners have been added to the product. However, if natural sugars are present in the product itself, the label must state: “Contains naturally occurring sugars.”
Very low in salt (sodium)
The label may only be used if the product contains no more than 0.04 g of sodium per 100 g/100 ml. The exception is mineral and other types of water.
Low-fat / Fat-free
This claim is permitted if the product contains up to 0.5g of fat per 100g/100ml. Phrases such as "30% fat-free" are prohibited.
Source of omega-3
A product can only be labeled as a "source of omega-3" if it contains the required amount of beneficial fatty acids: 0.3 g of alpha-linolenic acid or 40 mg of EPA+DHA per 100 g/100 kcal.
Why is this important?
Many marketing slogans look attractive, but can be misleading. Therefore, the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection advises not to trust loud slogans, but to always check the composition and nutritional value of the product.
