Food labels have been required on most packaging for several decades. You read about the four areas covered by labeling: Facts panel, content claims, health claims, and structure/function claims. For your class discussion, select on the four areas to discuss how you use the labeling in this area to help you decide to buy or the eat a certain food. Discuss one content area you might not have paid attention to in the past. How could understanding this area (health claims) for example guide your buying or eating decisions? Use one quote or point raised in your textbook to support your discussion.
Sample Solution
I would like to discuss how I use content claims on food labels to help me decide which foods to buy or eat. Content claims are statements about a product’s makeup, ingredients and nutritional information. A few examples of common content claims seen on food labels include “all-natural”, “low-fat”, “no added sugar”, and “high in fiber”. When choosing which products to purchase and consume, I pay special attention to these claims as they can give me an idea of what the item contains and how it may affect my health or diet.
One area of content labeling that I have not paid close attention in the past is protein content. Although many processed items now feature this claim prominently on their packaging, I had not given it much thought until recently when I began working out more frequently and wanted to ensure that my meals were providing enough protein for muscle growth. Now when grocery shopping for myself and family members, I always check the nutrition label for the amount of protein listed per serving before making a decision whether or not to purchase an ite