EDINBURGH, Scotland (Business Wire) — The UK Government has announced that by 2013 a new consistent front-of-pack food labeling system is to be introduced.
The new system is still voluntary but the UK government is confident that the food industry will utilize the new system. Plans are to amalgamate the existing colour coded traffic lights and guideline daily amounts used.
The issue has long been under discussion with supporters considering the labelling a method of tackling the rising obesity levels within the UK. However, there has been an element of confusion with a variety of different methods being introduced.
Public Health Minister Anna 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."
Caron Leckie, nutritionist at delivery diet company Diet Chef says “Poor dietary choices along with overweight and obesity carry a huge personal cost as well as financial burden to the economy. Hopefully implementing a clear, consistent and informative system will only make it easier for consumers to balance their diet.”