How many times have you actually read through the information on the consumer label? Have you ever bothered to check expiry date or read through the nutritional value chart? All this information is right there, on the packets, but often, if not always, we tend to miss this information. Be aware, don’t ignore these things. Here’s a checklist for you:
1) Check for the month of packaging : Certain food products lose their taste and flavour as time passes. Even though they may be safe to consume, they may not necessarily be as tasty as they were when packaged.
2) Read through the nutritional information: Check for the nutrients present. Look for any components that you or your family member might be allergic to.
3) Do not throw away the cartons immediately after use: In case you have tried something new in the market that has caused you an allergic reaction, you can take the carton to your doctor. It will be easy for him to diagnose what caused you the allergy.
4) Check for colour ‘dots’: If you are a vegetarian, look out for the green dot. The red-coloured dot signifies food item is not to be consumed by vegetarians.
5) Beware of misleading claims: If the package mentions that the food item is 95% fat free, it may actually mean it contains 5% fat! Don’t get fooled.
6) Check for the number of calories: Even if a food item may seem to be nutritious, the number of calories may tell a totally different tale. Avoid purchasing food items having high calorie content.
7) Check for expiry: Do NOT consume any food product post the expiry date. Please make sure to check the expiry date twice. Certain food products get spoilt quickly once the seal is broken. If a packet says “consume it within a week”, follow these instructions..