Reference Intake (RI) is a food labelling system in the European Union and the United Kingdom. It is a means of communicating recommended nutrient intake to the public. Reference Intakes replaced the term Guideline Daily Amount (GDA), although the principles behind both are the same. The major difference is that GDAs existed for men, women and children; there is only one set of RIs for an average adult.[1]
| Energy or nutrient | Reference Intake |
|---|---|
| Energy | 8400 kJ / 2000 kcal |
| Total fat | 70 g |
| Saturates | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 260 g |
| Sugars | 90 g |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Salt | 6 g |
These RIs are based on the requirements for an average woman with no special dietary requirements and assume an energy intake of 8400 kJ.[1] The information is for guidance only and should not be considered individual advice.[1]
The change from GDA to RI on labels on pre-packaged food and drinks sold in the UK is due to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011.[2][3] The intention of the EU Regulation is to harmonise across Europe the content, expression and presentation of the nutrition information given to consumers.
Since RIs are for an average adult, concerns have been raised by major retailers and manufacturers that they may face criticism for misrepresenting the contribution to the diet of products targeted at children, particularly given concerns around children's diet and obesity levels.[4]
RIs can be combined with traffic light labeling to make the information easily and rapidly understood.[5]
See also
edit- Dietary Reference Values – EU/UK system of nutritional advice
- List of food labeling regulations
- Nutrition facts label
- Reference Daily Intake – US/Canada food nutrient labelling system
- Traffic light label
- United Kingdom food information regulations
References
edit- ^ a b c "Reference Intakes". Food and Drink Federation. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
- ^ EU Regulation 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers
- ^ "New EU law on food information to consumers". European Commission. Archived from the original on 25 March 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
- ^ "Adoption of Children's Reference Intakes for food labelling purposes" (PDF). Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
- ^ "Traffic Light Labelling". Traffic Light Labelling. J Sainsbury plc. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
External links
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