NUTRIENT QUALITY IN READY-TO-EAT PACKAGED SALADS AND MEALS: A FIELD STUDY USING LABEL DATA AND NUTRI-SCORE SYSTEM CRITERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51271/jashso.76Keywords:
Nutrition labelling, Nutri-Score, Ready-to-eat products, Nutritional quality, Front-ofpackage nutrition labellingAbstract
Aim: This descriptive study aimed to evaluate the compliance of label information of ready-toeat packaged salads and meals marketed in Türkiye with the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on Food Labelling and Consumer Information and to assess their nutritional quality using the NutriScore system. Materials and Methods: In May 2025, 30 products from five brands available in major chain supermarkets in Ankara were examined. Data were collected through analysis of front- and back-of-pack label information. Results: All products included mandatory declarations of energy and macronutrients. However, allergen information was not provided for all products (63.3%), and inconsistencies in portion size statements were identified. Nutri-Score could not be calculated for nine products (30%) due to missing fiber declarations. Among the evaluated products, four (19%) were classified as A, eight (38.1%) as B, and nine (42.9%) as C; none were categorized as D or E. Products with higher vegetable and legume content were more frequently placed in favorable Nutri-Score categories. Evaluation of reference intake values per portion showed that meat/chicken/fish-based products contributed more to protein intake, whereas mixed products contributed more to energy and fat intake. Conclusion: The findings indicate that assessing the applicability of front-of-pack labelling systems such as Nutri-Score in Türkiye may support informed consumer choices and encourage healthier product reformulation. Addressing these systems within the framework of national legislation and consumer habits is important in terms of strengthening consumer awareness and encouraging healthier product formulations in the food industry.
Keywords: Nutrition labelling, Nutri-Score, Ready-to-eat products, Nutritional quality, Front-ofpackage nutrition labelling
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