How to Evaluate Food Information

With so much information available, it’s important to evaluate your choices.

Human eating behaviours are influenced by many biological, personal, environmental, economic and social factors. Many of us may also have to adhere to food-based dietary guidelines.

But when faced with choices about our diet, how else can we evaluate what food to eat?

Food Information Bodies

In some countries, government bodies such as Food Standards Australia New Zealand help consumers make informed choices around food products. They provide information about claims on nutrition content and health impact of foods or food products, and explain how to read nutrition information panels that are often included on packaged foods. They also help consumers with other food-related information, such as product labelling and information about allergens.

Evaluating Food Information

When it comes to assessing food, nutrition or diet-related information, it’s important to evaluate your sources, particularly if this information is coming from the Internet. There are a few points to consider in your evaluation, most important are:

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Currency
Up-to-date information is important, particularly in dynamic fields such as food and nutrition.

Relevance
Does the information fit your current needs?

Authority
Who is the author of the information you are reviewing? Is it provided by reputable researchers or practitioners? Could the authors be biased due to economic or personal gains?

Accuracy
Is the information based on scientific evidence? Is it verified or reviewed?

Purpose
Is the reviewed information based on facts or is it anecdotal? Is it a promotional material by producers or is it a scientific or news publication to inform consumers?

Thinking critically and unpacking the information coming to you will help with decision making and avoid confusion and misinformation.

Your task

Use this interactive labelling poster to explore the food labelling requirements set out in the Food Standards Code by Food Standards Australia New Zealand.