Government Forces Supermarkets To Simplify Food Labelling

Supermarkets are being forced by the Government to unify their food-labelling systems in an effort to reduce obesity levels in the UK .
The move is aimed at making it easier for British consumers to know which supermarket options are the healthiest.
UK supermarkets currently use three different schemes, including a traffic light system and labels that show the percentage of the recommended daily intake of fat, salt and sugar .
While Sainsbury ‘s uses the traffic light system, Tesco refuses to do so as it fears shoppers will shun food with red labels for salt, sugar or fat, while both Asda and Waitrose have adopted a hybrid system.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is evaluating the food-labelling systems and will make its recommendations later in the year.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said he would consider legislation if the food industry did not back the idea of a single system for labelling.
“We know that clear, simple front of pack labelling helps consumers make healthier choices and makes a positive contribution to a healthy diet, which is essential if we are to turn the tide on rising levels of obesity,” he said.
“That is why I am determined that we must see the adoption of a single labelling system based on the best available evidence.”
Mr Johnson added a “healthy food code of good practice” will be introduced later this year – produced in partnership with the food and drink industry – which will challenge restaurants and food producers to support individuals and families reduce their daily intake of fat, salt and sugar .

Leave a Reply