The phrase “food label” translates to "Nutrition label" in English. This label, also known as "Nutrition Information," provides details about the type and quantity of nutrients in a food product and is beneficial for health-conscious individuals and the elderly with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. It helps them understand the type and quantity of nutrients they will obtain from consuming that food.

Foods that must display nutrition labels include:

  1. Foods that provide information on the type of nutrients, quantity of nutrients, and the role of nutrients, such as indicating low fat content or high calcium content.

  2. Foods marketed as health products, promoting overall health, vitality, or strength but not making disease prevention or treatment claims.

  3. Foods targeted at specific consumer groups, such as teenagers, executives, or the elderly.

  4. Foods that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates to have nutrition labels due to concerns about potential misconceptions regarding their nutritional value.

The benefits of nutrition labels include helping consumers:

  1. Select and consume foods that align with their nutritional needs or health conditions, such as choosing low-cholesterol options for individuals with high cholesterol.

  2. Compare and choose products with better nutritional value when purchasing similar items.

  3. Encourage manufacturers to compete by producing foods with higher nutritional value, ultimately benefiting consumers.

Therefore, consumers should not overlook or ignore nutrition labels, as reading the nutritional information on product labels before making purchasing decisions can help them choose food products that meet their dietary requirements.

Central Laboratory (CentraLab) Thailand is one of the scientific laboratories under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that provides nutrition label testing services. They have branches in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Samut Sakhon, and Songkhla. They are certified to analyze various nutrients in food products.

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