Food Labelling - why we support traffic light
labelling
Food labels are vital in helping people make quick
decisions about what foods they buy.
We back the findings of the independent research commissioned by
the Food Standards Agency (FSA) published in May
this year.
The research tested different food labelling models for
understanding and comparison and identified the elements that
should work best.
It found that a clear and consistent front of pack food
labelling system incorporating traffic lights,
GDAs (Guideline Daily Amounts) and the terms
high, medium and
low, should make it easier for people to make
healthy choices.
We believe that a traffic light system is key as it provides a
clear guide about the level of fat, saturated fat, sugar
and salt in products which are highly processed like ready
meals, by labelling each nutrient as either high (red), medium
(amber) or low (green).
- Red - means 'enjoy it
once in a while'
- Amber - means
'OK most of the time'
- Green - means 'go for
it'
We believe that a clear and consistent scheme
incorporating traffic lights must be supported by the Government
and adopted by all food companies, in line with the findings of the
independent report, to help people to make more informed choices
about the food they buy.
Order our Guide to Food
Labelling
Our Guide to Food Labelling
(G54) explains just what food labels mean to make
it easier for you to choose which foods help you, and your family
keep heart healthy.
To order this booklet go to:
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