Food Labels and Evaluation According to Food Labelling Regulation in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the nutritional labeling status, which is a voluntary application in Turkey and evaluate the food labels according to Turkish Food Codex, Food Labelling Regulation rules. Material and Methods: In this study the nutrition labels of different brands and sized packaged foods, marketed in two hypermarkets in Ankara were collected between the January-September of 2010 and evaluated according to Turkish Food Codex Food Labelling Regulation rules. Results: Totally, 3184 labelled food and beverages from 38 food categories and 500 different brands were evaluates. It was found that 13% of the products had no nutrition labels on the package. The majority of the ones with a label did not contain information on energy and protein (13%), fat (14%), and carbohydrates (15%). It was observed that all of the examined nutritional labels of the products (100%) were located on the back of package. Conclusion: With the aim of this study it is thought that nutritional labeling regulation in Turkey should be rearranged in order to encourage the healthy food choices. Furthermore, it is recommended that, nutritional labelling application include nutritional value and portion size of the food must be seen on the front of the package with the signs and symbols to help consumers making healthier choices.