food labels

• food labels show guidelines for an average adult
• reference intakes are guidelines that are often shown on food labels
• RIs are based on an average adult, so they are only an indication of the amount of energy and nutrients an adult requires each day
• adults will have different requirements depending on factors like age, sex, how active they are, and if they have any diet related health conditions
• food labels also list each nutrient in the food as a percentage of the RI (this can be for 100 g of the food, per portion, or both)
• reference intakes:

  • energy - 2000 kcal
  • fat - 70g
  • saturates - 20g
  • carbohydrate - 260g
  • sugars - 90g
  • protein - 50g
  • salt - 6g