Is the Information on Food Labels Real? | Verification with Tests

Is the Information on Food Labels Real? Verification Process with Laboratory Tests

When shopping for food, consumers have to trust the nutritional value and ingredient information on product labels. However, there are various question marks about whether the information provided on the labels of many products is real. So, is the information on food labels really accurate? How is the accuracy of this information tested?

What information is included on food labels?

The label of a food product is prepared to enable the consumer to make an informed choice and usually contains the following information:

• List of Ingredients: An ordered list of the ingredients contained in the product
• Nutrition Facts: Calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals
• Allergen Warnings: Indication of allergens such as gluten, lactose, nuts
• Additives Preservatives, colorants and sweeteners
• Origin Information: Country or region where the product is produced
• Expiration Date: The period during which the product can be consumed

However, some manufacturers may provide incomplete or inaccurate information on labels, which can mislead consumers. For example, low-fat or sugar-free labels can sometimes be misleading, and the product may contain different types of sweeteners.

How to Test the Accuracy of Information on Food Labels

Various laboratory tests and inspections are carried out to determine whether the information on food labels is true.

• Chemical Analyses: The protein, fat, carbohydrate, sugar and fiber content of foods are analyzed by chemical tests.

• Chromatography methods (HPLC, GC-MS) detect additives and preservatives.
• Vitamin and mineral ratios are determined byspectrophotometric analysis.

• Microbiological Tests: The product is tested for harmful bacteria or mold.

• Pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria are searched.

• Heavy Metal Analysis: Foods are examined for the presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

• DNA Tests (Genetic Analysis):
• Real content is analyzed, especially in meat and dairy products.
• It is one of the tests to prevent frauds such asthe horse meat scandal.

• GMO and Pesticide Tests
• It is determined whether the product contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• Agricultural products are analyzed for harmful pesticide residues.

• Shelf Life and Durability Tests
• The actual expiration date of the product is determined in the laboratory.
• The effect of packaging materials on the content is tested.

Are Labels Reliable?

Inspections and laboratory tests provide important assurance on the accuracy of the information provided on food labels. However, some manufacturers may provide misleading information to consumers.

Being an informed consumer and reading food labels correctly is of great importance to protect our health and choose reliable products. Food safety can be ensured through laboratory tests and quality control mechanisms, but it is important to always question label information.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Food Analysis.

Contact us for more information.

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