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Nutrition Information Panels

8 August 2008

A Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) is a table that lists the average quantities of seven key components of food and is required on most packaged foods. The quantities are given per serving and per 100 grams (g) or millilitres (mL). NIPs can be used to compare foods, allowing consumers to choose foods which are lower in fat, saturated fat, sugar and sodium.

What information does a NIP need to include?

• the number of servings of food in the package

• the average quantity of the food in a serving expressed in grams or millilitres

• the unit quantity of the food (in the case of solid or semi-solid food, 100g or, in the case of a beverage, 100mL)

• the average energy content, expressed in kilojoules or both kilojoules and calories

• the average quantity expressed in grams of protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate and sugars in a serving of food and in the unit quantity of the food

• the average quantity, expressed in milligrams or both milligrams and millimoles, of sodium in a serving of the food and in the unit quantity of the food, and

• the name and average quantity of any other nutrient or biologically active substance in respect of which a nutrition claim is made, expressed in grams or milligrams or other units as appropriate, that is in a serving of the food and in the unit quantity of the food.

New Zealand food composition tables and databases

The New Zealand Food Composition Database contains information on the nutrient content of over 2500 foods commonly prepared and eaten in New Zealand. The database is administered by Crop and Food Research.

The online tool allows food manufacturers to derive average nutrient quantities for the purpose of calculating a Nutrition Information Panel (NIP), automatically generating a panel for the seven mandatory nutrients namely energy, fat, saturated fat, protein, carbohydrate, sugars and sodium as well as total dietary fibre. The New Zealand Food Composition Tables also provide information from the food composition database in printed form.

Users should note that dietary fibre values in the New Zealand food composition database have been analysed using the Englyst method. However the dietary fibre data used to calculate NIPs on the Crop and Food website have been derived using the Prosky method for fibre analysis, which is the method recommended in standard 1.2.8 of the Food Standards Code.

New Zealand food composition tables and databases [Crop and Food Research]

Laboratory analysis

The nutritional composition of a food can be analysed, preferably by laboratories accredited by either the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) or International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). This method accurately reflects the nutrient composition of specific products.

Ingredient specifications from suppliers

The nutritional information supplied by ingredient manufacturers can be used to calculate NIPs for most food products.

Do all packaged foods have to be labelled with a NIP?

The Food Standards Code exempts certain foods from being labelled with a Nutrition Information Panel (NIP). The exemptions include:

• Unpackaged foods such as fresh meat, fruit, vegetables and nuts or food sold in a restaurant

• Packaged whole or cut fresh fruit and vegetables where you can see the fruit or vegetables through the package

• Fruit, vegetables meat, poultry and fish that comprise a single ingredient or category of ingredients

• Food made and packaged on the premises from where it is sold, such as bread sold at a bakers, prepared filled rolls, sandwiches, bagels and similar products

• Food packaged at the customer’s request, such as home-delivered pizza or food packaged in the presence of the customer, for example, at a delicatessen or take-away food shop

• Food sold at a fundraising event for charitable purposes such as at a school or church

• Individual serve packets that are sold in a large package, such as a 12-pack of potato chips, although the information must appear on the outer package

• Food packages smaller than 100 sq cm (about the size of a chewing gum package)

• Foods with minimal nutrition such as herbs, spices, herbal infusions, tea or coffee

• Alcoholic beverages (including kits intended to be used to produce an alcoholic beverage), water or mineral or spring water, vinegar and related products, salt and salt products and gelatine

• Food additives and processing aids, and

• Jam setting compounds.

Nutrition claims and NIPs

If a nutrition claim is made, a Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) must be included on the food’s label despite the above exemptions. For example, if a claim is made about the calcium content of a food, the label on the product must include a NIP that contains nutritional information for the seven key components of food which must be declared in a mandatory NIP, as well as information on calcium, or any other nutrient or biologically active substance for which a claim is made.

Where a nutrition claim is made in relation to a food that is not required to bear a label, information on any claimed nutrient or biologically active substance must be declared in a NIP either displayed on or in connection with the display of the food; or provided to the purchaser on request.

Standard 1.2.8 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code

Food sold in New Zealand must be labelled in accordance with the Food Standards Code.

The legal requirements of Nutrition Information Panels are contained in Standard 1.2.8 of the Food Standards Code. Enforcement of the standard in New Zealand is the responsibility of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority.

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code [Food Standards Australia New Zealand]

User guide to standard 1.2.8 - Nutrition Information Requirements

A user guide to Standard 1.2.8 has been developed to help manufacturers, retailers and importers interpret and apply the nutrition information requirements to their food products.

Food labelling user guide [Food Standards Australia New Zealand]

Related links

Frequently asked questions on nutrient levels in foods NZFSA, May 2008