SWEET POTATO
This brochure describes the information required when making
nutrition and health claims for sweet potato (Ipomea batatas). In order
to make on-pack health claims, certain information is required by law:
(1) Nutritional Information Panel (NIP) displaying the nutrient content of
the vegetable (although not always mandatory for fresh vegetables this
must be included if nutrition and health claims are made), and
(2) Appropriately worded nutrient content and health benefit claims that
links the nutrient(s) present in the vegetable (e.g. vitamin C) at relevant
levels (≥10% RDI/serve) with a health benefit (e.g. immunity). Icons may
be used for marketing purposes when the certain criteria are met.
Template Nutrition Information Panel (NIP)
FSANZ Standard 1.2.8 (Nutrition Information Requirements) prescribes when nutritional information must be provided,
and the manner in which such information is provided. This is a template NIP for sweet potato with data taken from
NUTTAB 2010 for orange flesh, peeled, raw sweet potato with missing data from USDA Nutrient database, release 25.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Serving size: 75 g
Servings per package: [to be inserted based on pack size]
Quantity per Serving
% Daily intake per serve
Quantity per 100 g
Energy
223 kJ
3%
297 kJ
Protein
1.4 g
3%
1.9 g
Fat, total
0.1 g
0%
0.1 g
0g
0%
0.0 g
Carbohydrate
10.6 g
3%
14.1 g
– sugars
4.2 g
5%
5.6 g
Dietary fibre, total
2.3 g
8%
3g
Sodium
8 mg
0%
10 mg
0.6 mg
12% ESADDI
0.8 mg
847 µg RE
113% RDI
1129 µg RE
– saturated
Pantothenic acid
Vitamin A (from carotenoids)
Vitamin B6
0.16 mg
10% RDI
0.21 mg
Vitamin C
23 mg
58% RDI
31 mg
% Daily intakes are based on an average adult diet of 8700 kJ. Your daily intakes may be higher or lower depending on your
energy needs. RDI = Recommended Dietary Intake; ESADDI = Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intake
Nutrient Content Claim Options
Based on the nutrient content of sweet potato there are a number of possible nutrient content claims.
• Sweet potato are a good source of vitamin A (from carotenoids)
[contain ≥188 µg per serve]
• Sweet potato are a good source of vitamin C
[contain ≥10 mg per serve]
• Sweet potato are a source of dietary fibre
[contain ≥2 g per serve]
• Sweet potato are a source of pantothenic acid
[contain ≥0.5 mg per serve]
• Sweet potato are a source of vitamin B6
[contain ≥0.16 mg per serve]
• Sweet potato are a low fat food
[contain ≤3 g per 100 g]
• Sweet potato are a low salt/sodium food
[contain ≤120 mg per 100 g]
Health Claim Options
1 portion size
½ cup = 75 g
The following health claim options are available for sweet potato and are ranked on the basis of the
nutrients present and their concentrations in a single serve. These options have been developed from
pre-approved claims in FSANZ Standard 1.2.7. The first statement is a consumer-friendly claim for use on
packaging. The bullets underneath are the pre-approved statements from Standard 1.2.7 that justify the
use of the health claim option above them (the bullets do not need to be stated on pack).
All vegetables may use the pre-approved healthy heart claim, but the text (in bold) cannot be modified.
Choose the most appropriate option for your market. Most importantly consider your consumer’s
preferences when you choose your claim – what will resonate with them and ensure a purchase?
If any of the icons are used, a statement that links a specific nutrient to a health benefit must be stated
on pack in close proximity to the icon. Examples of relevant statements are provided below in bold.
A diet containing an increased amount of both fruit and vegetables reduces
the risk of coronary heart disease
A diet containing a high amount of fruit and vegetables contributes
to heart health
Sweet potato are a good source of vitamins A (formed from carotenoids) and C
and a source of vitamin B6 which help contribute to a healthy immune system.
• Vitamin A contributes to normal immune system function
• Vitamin B6 contributes to normal immune system function
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal immune system function
Sweet potato are a good source of vitamins A (formed from carotenoids) and C
which help maintain healthy skin.
• Vitamin A is necessary for normal skin and mucous membrane structure and function.
• Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
Sweet potato are a good source of vitamin A (formed from carotenoids) which
is necessary for normal vision
• Vitamin A is necessary for normal vision
Sweet potato are a good source of vitamin C and a source of pantothenic acid and
vitamin B6 which help contribute to a healthy brain and nervous system.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance
Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function
Vitamin C is necessary for normal neurological function
Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function
Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Disclaimer: This information is based on FSANZ Standards 1.2.7 and 1.2.8 plus specified nutrient information sources (e.g. NUTTAB 2010)
and was sourced May 2013. Please check the Veggycation website (veggycation.com.au) for updates.
This project has been funded by Horticulture Australia Limited using the vegetable levy
and matched funds from the Australian government