GDA labelling

The Finnish food industry is gradually adopting a new pan-European system of nutritional content labelling for products. GDA (Guideline Daily Amount) tells the consumer how much energy and key nutrients are contained in one portion or in some other measurement typically used in foodstuffs. The labelling also provides information on the proportion of energy and nutrients in the guideline daily amount. The labelling, the adoption of which is voluntary, will support the ability of consumers to make balanced choices concerning diet.

The GDA-based labelling system incorporates a symbol on the front of the packet, which indicates the amount of energy content typically contained in the portion or other food measure, and its percentage share of the adult guideline daily amount, which is 2,000 Kcal. This corresponds to the energy requirement of a woman of normal weight, performing light work and doing a moderate amount of physical exercise, and is based on a varied diet. The corresponding energy amount for men is 2,500 Kcal.

Other sides of the pack provide similar information about sugar, fat, saturated fats and sodium in symbols or in tabular form. There may also be information on protein, carbohydrates and fibre.

The size of a portion is typically defined as an amount that can be used or easily consumed at one time, for example, an ice cream cone, one biscuit, one sausage or a carton of yoghurt. The sizes of portions have been agreed in advance with the food industry, so that comparison between different products is made easier.

Like many other Finnish companies, Vaasan & Vaasan Oy introduced the first phase of GDA labelling to the product descriptions on its website at the beginning of December. Product descriptions are marked with symbols denoting the energy, sugars, fat, saturated fat, sodium, fibre, protein and carbohydrate contained in each product. The labelling can be viewed by clicking on the ’Products’ link at the www.vaasan.com website. For the time being, no changes will be made to the packaging.

Example: FINN CRISP Multigrain Crispbread

Portion sizes for bakery products, the nutrient content of which can be compared to the guideline daily amount:

*=always also gives additional information on the average weight of the slice/half/piece, etc in grammes
**=depending on the space available on the packet, gives additional information on how many portions corresponding
to the average portion size can be had from one product
***=if, because of the nature/size of the product, the actual portion size differs considerably from 30 g, the actual portion size is used
From a 300g loaf, you get about 10 slices

For further information, please contact
Leena Thorström
Marketing Manager
Tel. +358 204 46 2051

Minna Sundelin
Communications Manager
Tel. +358 204 46 2102