Why is Pavé de merlu sauce citronnée riz safrané classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The product is deemed ultra‑processed because it contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives that are not typically used in home cooking. Its label lists seven additives: E100 (curcumin from turmeric), E164 (saffron), E160c (paprika extract), E330 (citric acid), E412 (guar gum), E415 (xanthan gum) and a generic E14xx additive. These substances help stabilize the texture, preserve colour and enhance flavour, characteristic of NOVA 4 foods.

How does the sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

With 0 g of sugar per 100 g, the meal is safe for blood‑glucose management and poses no risk of sugar spikes for diabetics. It does contain 0.56 g of salt per 100 g, which is modest but still adds to daily sodium intake; people managing hypertension should consider the overall salt load from other foods and may need to limit portion size.

Is the fish (white hake) in this product a concern for people with fish allergies?

Yes, the primary protein source is white hake, a fish, and the product is labelled with a fish allergen warning. Anyone with a documented fish allergy should avoid this meal, as even trace amounts can trigger an allergic reaction.

Claude Léger, Monique ranou • 300 g

Pavé de merlu sauce citronnée riz safrané - 300g

Composite Foods

Product Insights

This ready-to-eat meal combines pre-cooked saffron-infused rice with a lemon-scented white hake fillet, cream, vegetables and a blend of spices. It belongs to the Composite foods / One-dish meals group, carries a Nutri-Score of B, and is classified as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed product. While it is low in sugars, salt and saturated fat compared with typical prepared meals, it does contain added dairy, fish and several food additives, which may be relevant for allergen-sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal126 kcal

Fat3.9 g

Saturated Fat1.3 g

Carbohydrates16 g

Sugars0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average prepared meal, this dish provides substantially less sugar (0 g vs 3.6 g), salt (0.56 g vs 3.55 g), total fat (3.9 g vs 5.9 g) and carbohydrates (16 g vs 23 g) per 100 g, while its protein (6.2 g) is slightly below the typical 7.2 g.

Ingredients

Riz cuisiné précuit 43% (riz blanc 21,7%, eau, sel, huile de colza, acidifiant : acide citrique, curcuma, colorant curcumine, coriandre, piment de Jamaïque, girofle, poivre noir, macis, safran), merlu blanc (poissons) 30%, eau, crème fraîche 4,6% (dont lait), carottes 4%, courgettes, jus de citron 2%, huile de colza; amidon modifié de maïs, sel, ail déshydraté, protéines de lait, épaississants: gomme xanthane et gomme guar, fumet de poissons (arôme, maltodextrine de pomme de terre, fécule de pomme de terre, épices et aromates, sel, poissons déshydratés, acidifiant: acide citrique), persil, arôme naturel de citron avec autres arômes naturel, piment doux, poivre, colorants: curcumine et extrait de paprika.

84%

35%

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