ABSTRACT
In developed countries, it is dif‘cult to buy packaged food that does not display information about energy, fat, protein, salt, or other components. Even when the food is relatively unprocessed, like fresh fruits, raw meat, or ‘sh, advertising or packaging information often makes substantial claims about the product’s composition. In recent history, several factors have contributed to a great awareness of food composition. These include a decrease in the cost of food production, reduced physical activity, and medical advances that have increased life span. A signi‘cant outcome has been an increase in obesity and associated diseases. As a consequence, the composition of foods has become a focus of regulatory bodies and activist groups leading to an upsurge of media attention.
