Reference Intakes (previously Guideline Daily Amounts)
The term 'Reference Intake' (RI) will replace 'Guideline Daily Amount' (GDA), however the principles behind how these values are determined remains the same.
RIs (and previously GDAs) are used alongside information companies provide on
the nutritional contents of their products. They can help show what
contribution
a
particular product or portion size can make to daily intakes. In this way RIs
can help to encourage healthier eating.
The new Reference Intakes (RIs) are values which have been set out in European
law. An RI is given for all of the mandatory nutrients (see table below). For
simplicity there is only one set of RIs (this is different to GDAs which had
several values).
Below are the Reference Intakes which you will see on food labels:
Reference Intakes for energy and selected nutrients (adults)
Energy or nutrient
|
Reference Intake |
Energy
|
8400kJ / 2000kcal
|
Total fat
|
70g
|
Saturates
|
20g
|
Carbohydrates
|
260g
|
Sugars
|
90g
|
Protein
|
50g
|
Salt
|
6g
|
N.B. The RIs for an adult are based on the requirements for an average female
with no special dietary requirements and an assumed energy intake of 2000 kcal.
IMPORTANT: This information is a guide only and is not individual advice.