What should students know about food labels in another country?

That’s a great question! Understanding food labels is very important for students planning to study abroad. Here’s what you should know, especially if you’re moving to countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, or New Zealand:

1. Language

- Food labels will be in the country’s official language (e.g., English in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada; German in Germany, French in parts of Canada).
- If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, learn the words for those ingredients in the local language.

2. Ingredients List

- Ingredients are usually listed in descending order by weight.
- Watch for allergens like nuts, gluten, dairy, soy, or eggs, which may appear in bold or in a separate section.

3. Nutritional Information

- Most countries require nutritional information per serving and per 100g/ml, including calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, sugar, salt/sodium, and fibre.
- Check serving sizes; they may differ from what you’re used to.

4. Expiry and ‘Best Before’ Dates

- Best Before: The product is best consumed before this date for quality.
- Use By: Indicates the safety of the product—do not consume after this date.

5. Allergen Warnings

- Common allergens are often highlighted.
- Look for statements like “May contain traces of nuts” or “Produced in a facility that processes wheat.”

6. Certifications

- Vegetarian/Vegan: Usually indicated with a symbol (V or “Vegan”).
- Halal/Kosher: Look for certification logos if you follow religious dietary laws.
- Organic: Certified organic products will have an official seal.

7. Additives & Preservatives

- Some countries use E-numbers (Europe) or INS numbers (India/Australia) for additives.
- Research these if you wish to avoid certain chemicals or additives.

8. Portion & Measurement Units

- Different countries use grams, millilitres, ounces, or cups—be familiar with conversions.

9. Country-Specific Labelling Laws

- Labelling rules can vary; for instance, genetically modified ingredients must be labelled in the EU, but not always in the USA.

10. Special Dietary Needs

- Gluten-free, lactose-free, and allergy-friendly products are widely available in most developed countries, but always check the labels to be sure.

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Tip:
When you first arrive, take someone with you for your initial grocery shop—perhaps a senior student, your university buddy, or a local friend. If you’re unsure about a product, many supermarkets have information desks or staff who can help.

Need more tips on adapting to life abroad? Pollster Education offers pre-departure guidance to help you settle in comfortably!

If you have a specific country in mind, I can share more details about food labelling practices there. Let me know how I can help further!