CHOY SUM
This brochure describes the information required when making nutrition
and health claims for choy sum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis), also
known as Chinese flowering cabbage. 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 choy sum with data taken from
NUTTAB 2010 for raw Chinese flowering cabbage.
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
53 kJ
1%
71 kJ
Protein
1.0 g
2%
1.3 g
Fat, total
0.2 g
0%
0.3 g
0g
0%
0g
0.7 g
0%
0.9 g
0.6 g
2.1 g
10 mg
1%
7%
0%
0.8 g
2.8 g
13 mg
– saturated
Carbohydrate
– sugars
Dietary fibre, total
Sodium
Folate
319 µg
159% RDI
425 µg
173 µg RE
23% RDI
230 µg RE
Vitamin C
35 mg
86% RDI
46 mg
Iron
1.3 mg
11% RDI
1.7 mg
Potassium
255 mg
-
340 mg
Vitamin A (from carotenoids)
% 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 choy sum there are a number of possible nutrient content claims.
• Choy sum is a good source of folate
[contains ≥50 µg per serve]
• Choy sum is a good source of vitamin C
[contains ≥10 mg per serve]
• Choy sum is a source of vitamin A (from carotenoids)
[contains ≥75 µg per serve]
• Choy sum is a source of dietary fibre
[contains ≥2 g per serve]
• Choy sum is a source of iron
[contains ≥1.2 mg per serve]
• Choy sum contains potassium
[contains ≥200 mg per serve]
• Choy sum is a low energy food
[contains ≤170 kJ per 100 g]
• Choy sum is a low fat food
[contains ≤3 g per 100 g]
• Choy sum is a low salt/sodium food
[contains ≤120 mg per 100 g]
Health Claim Options
1 portion size
½ cup = 75 g
The following health claim options are available for choy sum 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 high level health claim related to a healthy heart,
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
Choy sum is a good source of folate and vitamin C, a source of iron and contains
potassium which help contribute to a healthy brain and nervous system.
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Folate contributes to normal psychological function
Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Iron contributes to normal cognitive function
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Iron is necessary for normal neurological development in the foetus
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
Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system
Choy sum is a good source of vitamin C and a source of vitamin A (formed
from carotenoids) 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 (Skin)
Choy Sum is a good source of vitamin C and a source of folate which help
contribute to a healthy immune system.
• Folate contributes to normal immune system function
• Vitamin C contributes to the normal immune system function
Choy Sum is a source of fibre and has a high water content which help
contribute to a healthy digestive system.
• Dietary fibre contributes to regular laxation
Choy Sum contains potassium and has a high water content which helps keep
you hydrated.
• Potassium is necessary for normal water and electrolyte balance
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