Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Best-before date indicates how long food will remain of good quality – food may still be safe to eat after this date.
  • Do not eat food after the use-by date because it may be unsafe to eat.
  • Ingredients are listed on products in descending order by weight so that the first ingredient listed is always present in the largest amount and can be useful when comparing products. Fats, sugars and salt may be listed under several different names.
  • Using the 'per 100g' or 'per 100mL' column of the nutrition information panel on food packages is the best way to compare similar products.
  • Some terms and symbols used by manufacturers can be misleading but nutrition claims and health claims on food labels must meet strict guidelines.
  • Percentage Daily Intake (%DI) and Health Star Rating (HSR) symbols on labels can be useful to measure nutrient amounts of some products, provided they are used correctly, and their limitations are understood.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 02-05-2024