Project Title: The Importance of Food
Labelling and Packaging in Consumer
Awareness and Safety
Stage 1: Problem Identification (5 Marks)
Consumers often purchase food products without fully understanding what is in them.
Improper food labelling or misleading packaging can lead to health risks, especially for
people with allergies, dietary restrictions, or specific health needs. This project explores the
significance of clear, accurate food labelling and safe, sustainable packaging in helping
consumers make informed decisions.
Statement of Intent:
To investigate how food labelling and packaging influence consumer choices, promote
safety, and help reduce food-related health risks.
Design Specifications:
- Evaluate 10 different food products.
- Analyze their labels for completeness (ingredients, nutrition, expiry date, etc.).
- Study the packaging materials and determine if they are safe, reusable, or environmentally
friendly.
- Gather feedback from students or parents about how they use food labels in decision-
making.
Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas (10 Marks)
Several related ideas were explored to understand the purpose and importance of food
labelling and packaging.
Idea 1: Nutritional Labelling
Merits: Helps consumers choose healthier options based on sugar, fat, and salt content.
Demerits: Some consumers may not understand the technical terms.
Idea 2: Allergen and Expiry Information
Merits: Crucial for people with food allergies and helps prevent consumption of expired
products.
Demerits: Small font size may make this information hard to read.
Idea 3: Eco-Friendly Packaging
Merits: Promotes environmental sustainability and reduces plastic waste.
Demerits: Sometimes more expensive or less durable than plastic.
Conclusion: A combination of nutritional labelling and safe, eco-friendly packaging was
selected for deeper investigation.
Stage 3: Generation of Ideas (10 Marks)
Idea 1: Label Analysis of 10 Products
Merits: Practical, easy to collect samples, and provides insight into real consumer products.
Demerits: Limited to available products in nearby stores.
Idea 2: Conduct a Survey
Merits: Helps understand how students and families use food labels.
Demerits: May be time-consuming to gather enough responses.
Chosen Idea
Label and packaging analysis was chosen because it allows direct observation and critical
evaluation of real-world products.
Stage 4: Development of Chosen Idea (10 Marks)
Final Product/Service
The final product consists of a detailed analysis of 10 food items, focusing on the quality of
labelling and safety of packaging.
Materials Used
- 10 packaged food items (e.g., cereal, snacks, drinks, canned food)
- Chart/record sheet for data
- Camera or notebook
- Pen
Steps Taken
1. Collected 10 packaged food products from stores.
2. Reviewed each label for ingredients, nutritional value, manufacturing and expiry dates,
allergens, and instructions.
3. Assessed packaging material (plastic, paper, metal, etc.) for safety and recyclability.
4. Recorded and analyzed findings.
Stage 5: Presentation of Final Solution (10 Marks)
Findings were recorded in a comparative chart and displayed in a visual report. The
analysis showed that most products had nutritional information and expiry dates, but some
lacked clear allergen warnings or recycling details. Many products still used plastic
packaging, although some brands have started using eco-friendly alternatives.
The project can be shared through posters, PowerPoint presentations, or a display board in
the school’s health corner.
Stage 6: Evaluation of the Project (10 Marks)
The project achieved its goal of raising awareness about the importance of food labelling
and packaging. It helped identify gaps in product labelling and promoted environmental
thinking around packaging.
What Worked:
- Easy to collect product samples.
- Students enjoyed learning to read labels.
What Could Improve:
- Include interviews with shopkeepers or nutritionists.
- Larger sample size of products.
Conclusion:
The project was informative and encouraged better consumer habits. It also highlighted the
need for clearer, more eco-conscious food packaging.
