What is “Reference Intake”, also known as “RI”?
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RIs are a valid and scientifically documented system that simply and comprehensively shows the total daily intake of calories, sugars, fat, saturated fat and sodium (salt) required by an average adult who needs 2000 kcal / 8400 kJ daily.
The aim of this system is to help consumers choose food, and to educate them so that they can recognise how that food contributes to their daily diet in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
The quantitative data presented in RIs today are published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are given below:and are given below:
We have chosen to give the Reference Intake for women on food labels, as it is a lower intake which will help people to avoid consuming a high number of calories and larger amounts of nutrients (fat, saturated fat, sugars, sodium) which place a burden on our bodies.
There are detailed instructions on how Reference Intakes should be displayed. This ensures that they are all displayed in the same way, which in turn ensures that the information that the consumer receives is specific and easy to understand. The Guidelines are common to all companies that agree to apply the Reference Intake (RI) labelling system by adopting the graphic shown below:
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It was decided that four nutrients (sugar, fat, saturated fat, and salt), which are considered to be “suspects” when it comes to causing health problems, must be shown under this system.
A few words about the nutrients included in the RI system.
The body needs energy to function, and it acquires it via the calories consumed when we eat food. Calories are needed to replenish the energy lost during the day, even for basic functions such as breathing. However, excessive intake of calories leads to an increase in body weight and for this reason there should be a balance between calorie intake and calorie consumption.
Sugars, as a type of carbohydrate, are the direct and main source of energy for the body and contribute to the taste of food. They are present in a variety of foods such as fruits, cereals, bread and pasta.
Fats are essential for the body as they are the most concentrated source of energy and a major component of cell membranes. Therefore, they must be included in the daily diet, but the Reference Intake should not be exceeded.
Saturated fats are found in both animal and plant products.
Salt balances the flavour of food, and also adds intensity to aromas. Our goal is to limit salt intake as part of a balanced diet.