This document provides guidance for calculating and communicating the fruit and vegetable portions contained in composite foods. It establishes principles for when portions can be declared, such as having at least one portion per serving and including an appropriate variety. It also provides details on calculating portions for different fruit and vegetable formats and criteria for when portions cannot be declared, such as if the product exceeds limits for saturated fat, salt, and sugars. Case studies demonstrate how to apply the guidance. The goal is to encourage adding more fruit and vegetables to products and help consumers meet intake recommendations.
3. igd.com
Dpeople struggle to eat enough fruit and
vegetables. Consumers recognise that they need
consistently tell us they intend to eat more fruit
and vegetables. The message about fruit and
vegetables and health is widely recognised,
however many people are still consuming too
little.
them convenient and innovative products
the results of the recent National Diet and
* that composite foods make
addition to other forms of fruit and vegetables.
fruit and vegetable content of composite foods
practice guide to calculating and communicating
recommendations.
The guide provides a set of principles for food
and vegetable content of their products to
food businesses to develop products that help to
increase people’s fruit and vegetable intake and
contribute positively to a healthy balanced diet.
Joanne Denney-Finch OBE
Chief Executive, IGD
Foreword
* The results of years 1, 2 and 3 (combined) of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme (2008/2009-2010/20011)
Contents
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
4. igd.com
The Government recommends that consumers
vegetables per day. This recommendation is
based on epidemiological evidence. The evidence
indicates an association of consumption of at
reduced risk of certain diet related chronic
communications programme aims to increase
National Diet
rolling programme
indicate that adults consume 4.1 portions of
0.8 portions per day to 10.0 portions per day for
This includes fruit and vegetables intake from
composite foods.
Guidelines from the DH for use of their
DAY logo indicate that all types of fruit and
. A portion
already indicate the number of portions of
fruit and vegetables they contain. Guidance on
calculating and communicating the portions of
fruit and vegetables in composite food and drink
Purpose of this guide
The aim of the guide is to:
the labelled fruit and vegetables content of
composite foods is calculated
Provide criteria that composite products
should meet in order for fruit and vegetable
portions to be declared
Composite foods are an important source of fruit
and vegetables in the diet. Labelling the number
of portions in composite foods helps consumers
food businesses to add more fruit and vegetables
to products.
a best practice guide for food businesses
on calculating and communicating fruit and
vegetable portions in composite foods.
1
practice guide.
The guide sets out the principles developed by
the guide is available in . For a
more detailed description of the information
Development of a best
practice guide to calculating and communicating
fruit and vegetable portions in composite foods’1
1. Introduction
1 IGD (2011) Development of a best practice guide to calculating and communicating fruit and vegetable portions in composite foods
Introduction
Contents
Foreword
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
5. igd.com
and vegetable portions in composite foods.
2. Principles for communicating portions of fruit
and vegetables in composite foods
Box 1. Principles
communicated to consumers provided that:
1. There is at least one portion of fruit and vegetables in a portion of the product
2. There is an appropriate variety of fruit and vegetables in a portion of the product*
*If more than one portion is declared
or vegetable*
*Water is not included as an ingredient
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
6. igd.com
Scope
The guidance relates to portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite foods and drinks for
adults and children over 11 years.
3.1 Adult portions
A portion of fruit or vegetables for adults is 80g
also used for children over 11 years of age.
Note there is currently no epidemiological
An adult portion of 80g is likely to be too much
for children younger than 11 and this should be
for children.
3.2 Fruit and vegetables that count
ionised fruit juice2
does not count.
used in place of other sources of carbohydrate
epidemiological evidence supporting the 400g
usually eaten in addition to the starchy food part
of the meal.
vegetables.
here.
Scope of guidance
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
7. igd.com
4. Calculating portions for different formats
of fruit and vegetables
To display a fruit and vegetable indicator on a
and pulses using the principles agreed by the
Department of Health
pureed formats of these foods also contribute.
stated.
Table 1 lists different formats of processed fruit and
vegetables and their fresh equivalents
used as ingredients.
Table 1: Examples of fresh equivalents of processed fruit and vegetables
(continued overleaf)
Fruit and Vegetable Format
Weight or volume
equivalent to 80g fresh (adult
portion)
Conditions
vegetable juice
may be counted1
puree should be calculated according to
this is based on concentration of the
typically available from retailers: 20g2
38o
portion may be counted1
80g
can be counted
1 The need for a variety of fruit and vegetables in the diet should be emphasised in products containing these fruit and vegetable formats
2 See FIC Europe (2006) Code of Practice on Mayonnaise, mustard, tomato ketchup, fruit and vegetables in vinegar, Technical Annex p27
for guidance on other forms of tomato puree
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
8. igd.com
4. Calculating portions for different formats
of fruit and vegetables
Table 1: Examples of fresh equivalents of fruit and vegetables (continued)
Fruit and Vegetable Format
Weight or volume
equivalent to 80g fresh (adult
portion)
Conditions
Dried Pulses 40g
counted1
80g
counted1
Dried Fruit 30g
counted1
information counted1
1 The need for a variety of fruit and vegetables in the diet should be emphasised in products containing these fruit and vegetable formats
2 See FIC Europe (2006) Code of Practice on Mayonnaise, mustard, tomato ketchup, fruit and vegetables in vinegar, Technical Annex p27
for guidance on other forms of tomato puree
DEFINITIONS:
PULP*
obtained from the edible parts of the fruit
juice sacs obtained from the endocarp
PUREE*
CONCENTRATED PUREE*
The product obtained from puree by the
content
regulation 2003 No 1564
A smoothie might contain either:
AND a combination of crushed
and juice
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
9. igd.com
in composite foods
Principles
vegetable portions in composite foods. Where a
number of portions may be communicated to
consumers provided that:
1. There is at least one portion of fruit and
vegetables in a portion of the product
2. There is an appropriate variety of fruit and
vegetables in a portion of the product
5.1 Minimum and maximum portions
to be declared
The minimum content per serving of a product
is set at one portion of fruit and vegetables;
There is no upper limit to the number of portions
appropriate.
5.2 Variety of fruit and vegetables
in declared portions
Certain formats of fruit and vegetables may only
a composite food even if 40g are present.
declared in composite foods:
To state that a stir fry ready meal provides
serving
A pasta sauce could claim to contain 2
portions if it contained 20g of tomato puree
and 80g of sliced mushrooms per serving
A recipe dish product containing 30g of
portion of product could declare a single
portion of fruit and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
10. igd.com
Table 2: Disqualifying criteria. To declare portions of fruit and vegetables the
saturated fat, total sugars and salt content of the product should adhere to the
below
Saturated fat Salt* Total sugars**
Food
Per 100g
Per portion + <1.8g <27g
Per 100ml
Per portion ++ <3g
*OR adherence to current Public Health Responsibility Deal salt reduction targets
** The only exception is when ALL the sugars are from the fruit and /or vegetables
+ Where greater than 100g
++ Where greater than 150ml
Saturated fat Salt Total sugars
100% 30% 25% 100% 30% 25% 100% 30% 25%
Adult 20g 1.8g 27g
in composite foods
5.3 Disqualifying criteria
Total sugars
and take into account the amount per
Foods should contain:
salt*
Drinks should contain:
and salt.
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
11. igd.com
in composite foods
5.4 Sugars
nutrition. Food companies are permitted to
Fruit and vegetables contain naturally occurring
5.5 Product portion sizes
IGD’s Voluntary
guidelines
consumers3
.
3 IGD (2009) Voluntary guidelines on communicating portion size to consumers
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
12. igd.com
In one portion of product:
80g of beans and 40g of tomatoes
HEINZ BAKED BEANS IN TOMATO SAUCE
Ingredients:
Case studies
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
13. igd.com
In one portion of product:
1 portion 12.7g leek
There is at least 80g of different vegetables
M&S COUNTRY VEGETABLE SOUP
Ingredients:
Case studies
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
14. igd.com
6. Case Studies
In one portion of product:
There is at least one portion of fruit/vegetables 1 portion
48.5g Sun ripened tomatoes
41.5g sun ripened tomato puree (15o
Brix)
5g onions
There is an appropriate variety of fruit/vegetables There is one portion of tomatoes
The disqualifying criteria are not exceeded
Saturated fat (0.4g/100g) 2% RI
Salt (0.56g/100g) 9% RI
Total sugars (5.7g/100g) 6% RI
Meets 2017 salt targets
Portion size of the product is appropriate
Portion size is 100g which is appropriate for
this type of product
MAGGI RICH AND RUSTIC TOMATO SAUCE
Ingredients: Sun Ripened Tomatoes (48.5%), Puree of Sun Ripened
Tomatoes(41.5%), Onions, Sunflower Oil, Sugar, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Garlic, Pepper,
Basil,Oregano, Firming Agent: Calcium Chloride
PAGE 3 OF 5
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principlesforcommunicating
portionsoffruitand
vegetablesincomposite
foods
Scopeofguidance
Calculatingportionsof
differentformatsoffruit
andvegetables
Declaringportionsoffruit
andvegetablesin
compositefoods
Appendix1
Appendix2
Technicaland
productioninformation
15. igd.com
In one portion of product:
1 portion
4.4 g Red pepper
onion and red pepper
LOYD GROSSMAN BHUNA SAUCE
Ingredients:
Case studies
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
16. igd.com
In one portion of product:
1 portion
been added
product.
RED BERRY FRUITY BAR
Ingredients:
Case studies
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
17. igd.com
This guide aims to encourage inclusion of fruit
achieve this for certain composite products.
considered during a reformulation or NPD
process.
Food companies are still encouraged to add
fruit and vegetables to their products even if
a full portion cannot be achieved. The product
description can be used to note the content. For
7.1 Barriers to inclusion of fruit and
vegetables in composite foods
Processing
out of certain vegetables
Fruit and vegetables can block the process
them too thick to go through factory process
or fruit at certain facilities
to ensure that there is a portion of fruit and
vegetables in each serving of product
Shelf-life
Fresh vegetables and fruit deteriorate
packaging
Moisture
The addition of fruit and vegetables can lead
to an increase of moisture content. This in
turn can increase the rate of spoilage or
7. Technical and production information
Technical and
production information
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
18. igd.com
Volume
It can be physically challenging to get 80g
of fruit and vegetables into a portion of
cakes and desserts
encourage the addition of fruit and vegetables
Cost
than other ingredients
7.2 Notes for caterers and foodservice
Where possible the guidance presented should
it is recognised that calculation and labelling of
fruit and vegetables in composite foods in this
environment presents a number of challenges.
foodservice and catering businesses are
encouraged to include fruit and vegetables in
there is opportunity do so.
Including fruit and vegetables in recipes is an
may also have access to the information on
salt content.
food service companies are actively encouraged
to increase fruit and vegetable content in
appropriate dishes.
7. Technical and production information
Technical and
production information
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
19. igd.com
INSG Composite foods and
(2011)
British Nutrition Foundation
Food and Drink Federation
Greencore Group plc
Innocent
PepsiCo International Ltd
INSG Composite foods and
(2014)
Brakes
Food and Drink Federation
of IGD’s membership. It brings together
producers to address strategic challenges
for the food and grocery industry. Nutrition
is a key priority for the PIC. The IGD Industry
industry can play its part in encouraging
healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle
Industry Nutrition Strategy
Group members
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Allied Bakeries
Brakes
British Nutrition Foundation
British Retail Consortium
Compass Group PLC
Dairy Crest Group plc
Greencore Group plc
Iglo Foods Group Limited
Premier Foods Group Plc
Rich Products Ltd
Waitrose Ltd
Appendix 1
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 2
Technical and
production information
20. igd.com
Contribution of composite foods to
Consumption of fruit and vegetables is under
composite dishes on the market is not taken
disaggregated components from all composite
foods are therefore an important source of
for increasing the domestic consumption of fruit
and vegetables. The Task Force reported that
convenience is a barrier to intake and therefore
containing high levels of fruit and vegetables
consumption. The Task Force recommended
composite foods be considered for inclusion in
implementation of this recommendation.
Dietitian survey
Further evidence for the importance of composite
through an online survey of
dietitians carried out by IGD
Responses indicate the
importance of composite
prepared foods and those
people to achieve their
intake of fruit and vegetables
Those surveyed encouraged
their clients to consume
more fruit and vegetables in
purchasing and consuming
contain fruit and vegetables
the label.
Rationale for development of a best practice guide to calculating
and communicating fruit and vegetable portions in composite foods
Figure 1. In your opinion, how important are composite foods in
helping adults and children reach their fruit and vegetables intake?
Not at all
important
Not very
important
Fairly
important
Very
important important
Adults
Children
Appendix 2
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Technical and
production information
21. igd.com
100%
Have a glass of fruit juice or smoothie 72%
54%
32%
other 5%
97%
that they already routinely prepare at home
91%
Communication of fruit and
vegetable portions
target in a more convenient fashion than plain
fruit and vegetables and juices. Communicating
foods to consumers may encourage the food
industry to increase the content of these foods.
preparing and cooking food at home.
Regulatory position of labelling fruit
and vegetable portions in foods
related properties of a food or drink must comply
and health claims made on foods The Food
guidance for food
’
the regulation. This point
portion. If a health claim is made in addition to
scope of the regulation.
of fruit and vegetable portions in composite foods
participants discussed:
Quantity of fruit or vegetables in a portion
Different formats of fruit and vegetables
used in composite foods
terms of labelling fruit and vegetable portions
incorporated into the guidance.
Rationale for development of a best practice guide to calculating
and communicating fruit and vegetable portions in composite foods
Figure 2. Which of the following do you encourage your clients to do in order to help them to consume
more fruit and vegetables?
Appendix 2
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
Principles for communicating
portions of fruit and
vegetables in composite
foods
Scope of guidance
Calculating portions of
different formats of fruit
and vegetables
Declaring portions of fruit
and vegetables in
composite foods
Case studies
Appendix 1
Technical and
production information