UK proposes single system for nutrition labelling

The UK Health Department has announced proposals for new nutritional labelling that clearly displays how much fat, saturated fat, salt, sugar and calories food products contain.

Retailers currently use various systems with many hybrid labelling methods displaying information with different visuals, colour and content, making it hard for consumers to compare foods.

The new proposed system could see labels introduced by 2013 to incorporate standard colour coding, guideline daily amounts (%GDA) and uniform high/medium/low text.

The new system, which the government will now discuss with industry and other partners, would allow consumers to make quick, informed decisions about the food they eat and make healthier choices to address conditions related to bad diet.

Public Health Minister Anna Soubry said that the UK already has the largest number of products with front-of-pack labels in Europe, but research shows that inconsistent labelling creates confusion amongst consumers.

"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," Soubry said.

"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 announcement comes after a three-month UK-wide consultation on front-of-pack labelling with retailers, manufacturers and other interested parties.