New food labelling system announced
Food labelling will be made consistent across all supermarkets so that shoppers can easily spot the healthiest option, it is expected to be announced.
The new labelling system will provide consumers with clear information on the content of the food, Health Minister Anna Soubry said.
The new system will include information on guideline daily amounts (GDAs), be colour coded with a traffic light system and use the words “high” “medium” or “low” to inform people about how much fat, saturated fat, salt, sugar and calories are in food products.
Ms Soubry said: “The UK already has the largest number of products with front of pack labels in Europe but research has shown that consumers get confused by the wide variety of labels used. By having a consistent system we will all be able to see at a glance what is in our food. This will help us all choose healthier options and control our calorie intake.
“Obesity and poor diet cost the NHS billions of pounds every year. Making small changes to our diet can have a big impact on our health and could stop us getting serious illnesses, such as heart disease, later in life.”
The design of the new label is yet to be decided, a Department of Health spokeswoman said. The new label is expected to be in use by summer next year.
Peter Hollins, chief executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: “This is a quantum leap for public health and the result of tireless work by health campaigners and positive action by our governments. It’s now down to each and every retailer and manufacturer to step up and introduce these consistent front of pack food labels, including traffic light colours, so shoppers can make healthy food choices at a glance.”
Richard Lloyd, executive director at consumer group Which?, added: “With levels of obesity and diet-related disease on the increase it’s vitally important that people know what’s in their food so that they can make an informed choice.”
Barbara Gallani, director of food safety and science at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said: “The UK has led the way in developing approaches to front-of-pack labelling and FDF members have voluntarily provided this information for many years. Per portion per cent GDA information, which in many cases has been implemented consistently across Europe, helps consumers put the food they eat in the context of their overall diet.
“Our members are committed to continuing to provide clear nutrition information to consumers and we will be actively engaged in further discussions with the Department of Health following today’s announcement.”
In the meantime, see our feature on reading food labels here → http://www.silversurfers.com/so-you-think-you-can-read-really-reading-food-labels/
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