Food labels are designed to provide consumers with a useful source of information so that they can make healthier and more informed choices when shopping.
To ensure consumers are protected from false claims and/or misleading descriptions, food labelling is governed by law, meaning there are clear and strict guidelines on what labels can and can’t show, including the descriptions and pictures on labels and packets.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for preventing dishonest labelling or misdescription of foods sold in the UK .
Labelling schemes
There are two main labelling systems used in the UK by supermarkets and food manufacturers to help inform consumers of the health benefits of the food they buy.
These are known as:
Both schemes were introduced as part of efforts to tackle obesity in the UK and improve the balance in people’s diets.
