Tag Archives: calorie

Joules – rare but minor progress for metrication

Posted on 2013-05-10 by Erithacus

After many recent setbacks, it is pleasing to report a small but significant bit of progress in the long campaign to make the metric system (SI) the default system of measurement in the UK.  This minor (but perhaps somewhat pyrrhic) … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, Health, Science, Technical | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Two enduring controversies are highlighted by a food labelling consultation

Posted on 2012-09-24 by derekp

A recent consultation by the UK Department of Health about food labelling has drawn attention to two long-standing issues, both relating to food energy and the calorie.

Posted in Consumer affairs, Health, Science | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Prospects improve for food energy labelling using SI units

Posted on 2012-02-24 by derekp

One of our readers wrote to Sainsbury’s to ask that guideline daily amounts (GDAs) of energy shown on packaging should be shown in kilojoules, the SI unit, as well as or instead of kilocalories. He has received a reply that … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, Health, Law, Science | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

How should we measure energy (and power)?

Posted on 2010-04-09 by Erithacus

The recent consultation on so-called “calories” on menus, together with the launch of more new models of electric cars has prompted these thoughts on the dysfunctional way in which we measure energy and power. This muddle reflects a lack of … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Technical | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

Joules on the menu, please

Posted on 2010-03-11 by Erithacus

The very worthy proposal of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that menus should state energy values is undermined by its failure to use proper measurement units.  UKMA has responded by advocating joules rather than so-called “calories” (whatever they may be).

Posted in Consumer affairs, General, Health, Media, Technical | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments